Melissa T. Songer
Battle Ground,WA
Summary
Healthcare leader with over 13 years of experience in correctional health and operations management. Expertise in leading multidisciplinary teams and collaborating with stakeholders to achieve compliance and accreditation goals. Skilled in identifying operational inefficiencies, implementing effective processes, and enhancing staff performance in high-pressure environments. Proficient in crisis management and ensuring adherence to corporate standards across multiple facilities.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Health Services Administrator / Registered Nurse – BSN
Wellpath
Vancouver, WA
03.2023 - Current
- Led medical operations for 600+ bed facility, overseeing clinical services, staffing, and scheduling.
- Stabilized site operations during leadership turnover and staffing shortages through workflow restructuring.
- Provided regional support to neighboring sites with staffing, training, and audit preparations.
- Directed continuous quality improvement, compliance audits, and performance metrics to exceed corporate standards.
- Managed complex medical cases including detox, high-acuity conditions, and emergency responses.
- Developed standardized training materials and documentation processes used across multiple facilities.
- Acted as primary liaison between Wellpath and county partners to enhance collaboration.
- Oversaw budget management, medical records, pharmacy processes, and partnerships with county command.
Registered Nurse – BSN
Multnomah County Health Department
Inverness Jail, OR
10.2019 - 03.2023
- Provided high-acuity nursing care for a 300+ population, including intake, detox protocols, wound care, diabetic mgmt., emergency response, and chronic care.
- Supported systemwide improvements during COVID-19 operational shifts.
- Frequently assigned lead responsibilities in the absence of charge staff.
RN – PRN
Naphcare
Clark County Jail, WA
10.2021 - 02.2023
- Delivered medication administration, detox monitoring, emergency care, and provider support during periods of high patient volume.
- Assisted leadership during staffing crises and operational transitions.
Health Services Administrator / RN – BSN
Wellpath / Correct Care Solutions
Clark County Jail, WA
06.2017 - 02.2020
- Managed a $3M annual contract, full clinical operations, and all compliance and staffing functions.
- Led CQI initiatives, policy development, training, and corrective action plans.
- Partnered with county leadership to resolve system-level challenges and improve care delivery.
Director of Nursing / RN
Correct Care Solutions
Clark County Jail, WA
01.2015 - 06.2017
- Oversaw nursing operations for a 600-bed facility, providing leadership to RNs, LPNs, and support staff.
- Directed emergency response readiness, acute/chronic care delivery, and staff development.
- Managed scheduling, training, performance improvement, and clinical oversight.
Health Services Administrator / RN – BSN
Naphcare
Clark County Jail, WA
02.2020
- Oversaw facility operations, managed staff, improved workflow efficiency, and supported emergency medical response.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Western Governors University
01.2017
Associate of Science - Nursing
Lower Columbia College
01.2012
AA -
Chabot College
01.2006
Skills
- Electronic medical record systems
- Training and development
- Crisis management
- Team collaboration
- Data reporting
- Policy implementation
- Patient care coordination
- Team leadership
- Problem resolution
- Patient safety
Degree
BSN, RN, CCHP
Regional Leadership Highlights
- 13+ years supporting and leading local county site with direct and indirect oversight of operations, staffing, budgeting, and clinical programs.
- Strong reputation for stepping into struggling environments, diagnosing issues quickly, and implementing sustainable solutions aligned with corporate standards.
- Experienced in mentoring HSAs, DONs, and clinical teams, including new leader onboarding and leadership gap coverage across multiple facilities.
- Regularly called upon by Regional and Corporate leadership to assist with escalated issues, facility transitions, audits, training, teaching and complex administrative tasks.
- Deep expertise in NCCHC readiness, compliance monitoring, and documentation integrity across multiple facilities.
Core Leadership Competencies
- Multi-Site Operations Management
- Staff Leadership, Coaching & High-Performance Team Development
- CQI, Compliance, NCCHC Accreditation Preparation
- Contract Performance Oversight & Budget Management
- Risk Mitigation, Grievances, Mortality/Morbidity Reviews
- Workflow Optimization & Process Improvement
- Clinical Program Development (Detox, Chronic Care, Intake Process, MOUD)
- Provider Relations, County Collaboration & Cross-Agency Partnerships
- Emergency Response & High-Acuity Clinical Practice
Timeline
Health Services Administrator / Registered Nurse – BSN
Wellpath
03.2023 - Current
RN – PRN
Naphcare
10.2021 - 02.2023
Health Services Administrator / RN – BSN
Naphcare
02.2020
Registered Nurse – BSN
Multnomah County Health Department
10.2019 - 03.2023
Health Services Administrator / RN – BSN
Wellpath / Correct Care Solutions
06.2017 - 02.2020
Director of Nursing / RN
Correct Care Solutions
01.2015 - 06.2017
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Western Governors University
Associate of Science - Nursing
Lower Columbia College
AA -
Chabot College