Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Melissa Stearns

South Dayton,NY

Summary

Seasoned Registered Nurse with a robust background in diabetes management and nursing staff leadership, notably at DaVita Dialysis Corporation. Excelled in patient and family advocacy, significantly improving care standards. Spearheaded initiatives enhancing staff satisfaction and patient outcomes, leveraging infectious disease control expertise. Demonstrates exceptional ability to lead and educate, ensuring high-quality, compassionate care.

Overview

33
33
years of professional experience

Work History

Registered Nurse

Office Of People With Developmental Disability
05.2019 - Current
  • Advised patients and caregivers of proper wound management, discharge plan objectives, safe medication use, and disease management.
  • Monitored patient reactions after administering medications.
  • Delivered high level of quality care to diverse populations while overseeing patient admission and triaging based on acuity and arranged for transfer to appropriate facility
  • Sustained quality standards by performing routine medication audits and upholding internal and industry best practices.
  • Participated in evidence-based practice project implementation, nursing competency development and nursing simulation activities.
  • Collaborated with leadership to devise initiatives for improving staff satisfaction, retention and morale.

Dialysis Registered Nurse

DaVita Dialysis Corporation
11.2017 - 04.2019
  • Administered medications and treatment to patients and monitored responses.
  • Advocated for and strived to protect health, safety, and rights of patient.
  • Quickly responded to situations impacting safety and security to unit, actualizing crisis prevention interventions to control and de-escalate situations.
  • Offered exceptional care and support to individuals recovering from acute incidents and dealing with chronic conditions.
  • Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
  • Conveyed treatment options, diagnosis information and home care techniques to patients and caregivers to continue care consistency.
  • Facilitated therapeutic communication, conflict resolution and crisis intervention for staff and patients. Redirecting negative behaviors and helping patients regain or improve coping abilities.
  • Explained course of care and medication side effects to patients and caregivers in easy-to-understand terms.
  • Collaborated with leadership to devise initiatives for improving nursing satisfaction, retention and morale.

Registered Nurse

Brooks Memorial Hospital
10.2008 - 12.2018
  • Led successful team comprised of RNs, LPNs, and ancillary staff.
  • Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
  • Provided direct patient care, stabilized patients, and determined next course of action.
  • Promoted professional development opportunities to encourage nurses to pursue continuous training.
  • Coordinated and implemented in-service educational programs focusing on safety and adherence to protocols.
  • Supervised, directed, and motivated high-quality performance from nursing staff.
  • Led staff meetings to keep team informed of departmental changes and provide opportunities for nurses to share ideas and concerns.
  • Evaluated skills of nursing personnel and verified staff certifications for validity.

Registered Nurse ( 2004-2012)-LPN (1992-2004)

UPMC Chautauqua WCA
06.1992 - 07.2012
  • Used first-hand knowledge and clinical expertise to advocate for patients under care and enacted prescribed treatment strategies.
  • Performed triage on incoming patients and determined severity of injuries and illnesses.
  • Recorded details regarding therapies to keep patient charts updated.
  • Led teams in driving successful patient outcomes by prioritizing standard of care and best practices.
  • Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
  • Performed frequent checks on life support equipment and made necessary adjustments to preserve optimal patient conditions.
  • Comforted and counseled patients and families throughout care process.
  • Documented accurate and complete patient information to address patient problems and expected outcomes.
  • Used aseptic techniques to provide sterilized wound care and dressing applications.
  • Supported physicians during examinations and scans to assist with diagnostic procedures.

Registered Nurse

JAMA Medical Group
06.2007 - 09.2008
  • Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
  • Investigated and resolved issues affecting hospital operations and patient care.
  • Used first-hand knowledge and clinical expertise to advocate for patients under care and enacted prescribed treatment strategies.
  • Offered exceptional care and support to individuals recovering from acute incidents and dealing with chronic conditions.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Nursing

Southern New Hampshire University
Hooksett, NH
05-2017

Associate of Science - Nursing

Jamestown Community College
Jamestown, NY
05-2004

Skills

  • Diabetes management
  • Precepting
  • Health screening
  • Infectious disease control
  • Nursing staff leadership
  • Discharge coordination
  • Resource allocation
  • Patient and family advocacy

Timeline

Registered Nurse

Office Of People With Developmental Disability
05.2019 - Current

Dialysis Registered Nurse

DaVita Dialysis Corporation
11.2017 - 04.2019

Registered Nurse

Brooks Memorial Hospital
10.2008 - 12.2018

Registered Nurse

JAMA Medical Group
06.2007 - 09.2008

Registered Nurse ( 2004-2012)-LPN (1992-2004)

UPMC Chautauqua WCA
06.1992 - 07.2012

Bachelor of Science - Nursing

Southern New Hampshire University

Associate of Science - Nursing

Jamestown Community College
Melissa Stearns