MELISSA Watson
Pearland,Texas
Summary
Dedicated and compassionate Registered Nurse (RN) with progressive career history in direct patient care, triage and care coordination in fast-paced environment. Proven to remain calm under pressure and skillfully handle difficult patients and high-stress situations. Consistently developing strong relationships with patients and families through empathetic communication, respectful attitude and excellent customer service.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Pre-Admission Testing RN
Chi Baylor St Luke’s Hospital
10.2020 - Current
- Demonstrated strong clinical judgment when evaluating patients for potential risks or complications related to anesthesia or surgery.
- Provided exceptional patient education, enhancing understanding of pre-operative instructions and post-operative expectations.
- Streamlined the pre-admission process for efficiency, reducing wait times and improving patient flow.
- Reduced procedure cancellations by identifying potential issues during the pre-admission testing process.
- Mentored new RNs joining the Pre-Admission Testing team, fostering a culture of continuous learning and teamwork.
- Promoted a positive work environment through effective collaboration with colleagues and maintaining open lines of communication among team members.
RN PACU
CHI Baylor St. Luke's Medical Center
10.2000 - 10.2020
- Administered medications accurately and safely, reducing medication errors and adverse reactions.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction through effective communication, empathy, and timely response to their needs.
- Administered medications via oral, IV, and monitored responses.
- Charge Nurse 50% of the time
- Implemented infection control measures by maintaining strict adherence to aseptic techniques throughout the PACU unit.
- Contributed to quality improvement efforts by identifying areas for process enhancements and implementing evidence-based solutions in the PACU unit.
- Educated patients and families on post-operative care instructions, fostering better understanding and adherence to prescribed treatments or therapies.
- Reduced complications through timely administration of medications and pain management strategies.
- Assisted physicians in conducting bedside procedures, such as wound dressing changes or IV insertions, to foster optimal healing processes.
- Collaborated with anesthesia providers to ensure safe and effective management of patient pain during the post-operative period.
- Demonstrated strong clinical assessment skills for early identification of potential complications or adverse reactions following surgery.
Transplant ICU RN
CHI Baylor St. Luke's Medical Center
05.1996 - 10.2000
- Served as a liaison between physicians and patients'' families to facilitate clear communication regarding treatment options and progress updates.
- Managed complex cases of critically ill patients, ensuring optimal treatment plans were executed effectively.
- Provided emotional support to patients and their families.
- Mentored new nursing staff, contributing to a supportive work environment and improved retention rates.
- Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols.
- Developed strong relationships with patients'' families, providing emotional support while addressing concerns or questions about care plans.
- Managed life-saving equipment such as mechanical ventilators, intra-aortic balloon pumps, and continuous renal replacement therapy machines to support critically ill patients'' needs.
- Provided targeted care and treatment to heart transplant patients.
RN ICU
St Thomas Hospital
10.1995 - 05.1996
- Improved patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based nursing practices and providing high-quality care in the ICU setting.
- Served as an advocate for patients and their families, addressing concerns and facilitating open lines of communication between healthcare providers and loved ones.
- Enhanced patient safety by diligently monitoring vital signs, identifying early warning signs of complications, and taking prompt action in emergent situations.
- Promoted a culture of safety within the ICU by adhering to established protocols, reporting potential hazards, and participating in regular safety drills.
RN, CVICU
St Johns Mercy Medical Center
01.1994 - 10.1995
- Contributed to a positive work environment by mentoring new nurses and participating in unit-based quality improvement initiatives.
- Streamlined patient admission processes within the Cardiovascular ICU, improving efficiency while maintaining high-quality care standards.
- Evaluated patient progress regularly, adjusting nursing interventions as needed to achieve optimal results without compromising safety or ethical standards.
- Educated families about their loved ones'' conditions, treatment options, and self-care techniques to help them make informed decisions about care.
- Reduced complications by closely monitoring and detecting early signs of potential issues in critically ill patients.b
- Reduced complications by closely monitoring and detecting early signs of potential issues in critically ill patients.
- Assisted with bedside procedures such as central line placements, arterial lines insertions, endotracheal intubations ensuring proper sterile technique and efficient teamwork.
- Managed ventilators for mechanically ventilated patients, collaborating with respiratory therapists to adjust settings as required for optimal patient outcomes.
- Administered various life-saving medications such as vasopressors, sedatives, analgesics, anticoagulants under stringent protocols ensuring accuracy and safety.
Infusion Nurse
Caremark
07.1993 - 01.1994
- Reduced complications by closely monitoring patients for adverse reactions during infusion therapy sessions.
- Advanced knowledge base through regular attendance at continuing education seminars related to infusion nursing practice standards and emerging treatment options.
- Enhanced patient comfort by providing compassionate care and administering medications through IV infusion.
- Ensured safety by adhering to infection control protocols and handling hazardous materials according to regulatory guidelines.
Nurse, CVICU
St Luke’s Episcopal Hospital
10.1991 - 05.1993
- Enhanced patient care by closely monitoring vital signs and administering appropriate medications as prescribed.
- Managed complex pain regimens effectively by carefully titrating medications based on each patient''s specific needs and response levels.
- Assisted physicians with bedside procedures such as central line insertions or chest tube placements, maintaining a sterile environment for optimal outcomes.
- Administered blood products safely following hospital guidelines, preventing adverse reactions or complications related to transfusions.
- Contributed to unit efficiency through active participation in bedside handoff report, ensuring continuity of care between shifts.
- Improved patient outcomes with timely assessment and intervention for changes in clinical status.
- Served as an active member of hospital committees focused on improving patient safety, contributing valuable insights from the frontline of patient care.
- Promoted patient safety through vigilant observation, recognizing potential complications early and taking swift action.
- Delivered compassionate end-of-life care, providing emotional support and ensuring that patients remained comfortable throughout the process.
- Streamlined communication between healthcare providers, ensuring accurate and prompt information sharing regarding patient condition.
Registered Nurse, CVICU
Methodist Hospital
09.1989 - 10.1991
- Assisted with invasive CVICU procedures, such as central line placements and pulmonary artery catheter insertions, ensuring aseptic technique and patient comfort throughout the process.
- Demonstrated proficiency in titrating vasoactive medications according to physician orders while closely monitoring hemodynamic parameters for early detection of adverse effects or trends that may require intervention or escalation of care.
- Assisted in life-saving procedures such as CPR, defibrillation, and advanced airway management during critical events.
- Managed ventilator settings, invasive lines, and other complex medical equipment, ensuring optimal patient safety.
- Improved patient outcomes by providing comprehensive care and monitoring in the CVICU setting.
- Reduced complications by promptly identifying and addressing critical changes in patient conditions.
Medical Surgical Registered Nurse
Methodist Hospital
06.1988 - 09.1989
- Promoted a safe environment for patients by adhering to infection control protocols, fall prevention strategies, and other safety measures.
- Prevented complications for post-operative patients through careful monitoring, early detection of issues, and prompt intervention when needed.
- Managed caseload of 8 patients simultaneously by providing bedside care, treatments, IV therapy, and wound care.
- Assessed patient conditions accurately by conducting comprehensive physical assessments, interpreting diagnostic tests, and utilizing critical thinking skills.
- Assisted with wound care, dressing changes and NG tube placement to maintain stable patient conditions.
- Provided inpatient care to diverse population of adult medical and surgical patients.
- Educated patients and families on disease diagnosis, prognosis and post-operative care.
- Effectively managed time and prioritized tasks to ensure timely administration of medications, treatments, and procedures.
- Educated patients and families on medical-surgical procedures, therapeutic regimens, and pain management techniques.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team members to optimize patient outcomes through effective communication and care coordination.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
St Louis University
St Louis, MO05.1988
Skills
- Clinical judgment
- Patient confidentiality
- Physical Assessment
- Preoperative Care
- Anesthesia Knowledge
- Medication and IV administration
- Strong Clinical Judgment
- Compassion and Empathy
- Patient and family advocacy
- Team Coordination
- Patient education and counseling
- Patient Assessments
- Airway Management
- Quality Improvement
- Surgical Procedures
- Nursing staff leadership
- Telemetry monitoring
- Patient Monitoring
- Appointment Scheduling
- Precepting
Certification
Basic Life Support
expires 1/2025
Timeline
Pre-Admission Testing RN
Chi Baylor St Luke’s Hospital
10.2020 - Current
RN PACU
CHI Baylor St. Luke's Medical Center
10.2000 - 10.2020
Transplant ICU RN
CHI Baylor St. Luke's Medical Center
05.1996 - 10.2000
RN ICU
St Thomas Hospital
10.1995 - 05.1996
RN, CVICU
St Johns Mercy Medical Center
01.1994 - 10.1995
Infusion Nurse
Caremark
07.1993 - 01.1994
Nurse, CVICU
St Luke’s Episcopal Hospital
10.1991 - 05.1993
Registered Nurse, CVICU
Methodist Hospital
09.1989 - 10.1991
Medical Surgical Registered Nurse
Methodist Hospital
06.1988 - 09.1989
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
St Louis University
Basic Life Support
expires 1/2025
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