MELISSA WITHERS
RENO,NV
Summary
Dedicated Registered Nurse with extensive experience in psychiatric and mental health care, demonstrated during roles at Reno Behavioral Healthcare Hospital and other prestigious institutions. Excelled in emergency care, patient assessments, and culturally-sensitive support, showcasing strong clinical judgment and compassionate patient advocacy. Proven leader in high-stakes environments, enhancing patient outcomes and safety.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Registered Nurse
Reno Behavioral Healthcare Hospital
01.2019 - Current
RN on acute adult unit , assess , medicate acutely psychotic patients , assess for side effects to medication, assess patient for signs and symptoms of increased agitation , medicate patients in acute situations , work as team leader with mental health techs monitor unit for safety, report safety concerns to appropriate leadership, educate patients about medication. coping skills and relapse prevention
Registered Nurse
High Desert State Prison
08.2005 - 08.2018
Triage nurse, assess sick call slips of inmates, administer care as needed, determine if inmate needs to further care with Doctor also worked in prison hospital taking care of post op patients , and mental health patients
Registered Nurse
San Luis Obispo County Mental Health
01.2002 - 06.2005
phone triage of acute mental health patients , assessing incoming acute patients for 5150 criteria , assessing patient for medical and mental health needs , administering medications per MD order
Education
Associate of Science - Registered Nursing
Cuesta College
San Luis Obispo, CA06-1990
No Degree - LVN
Allan Hancock College
Santa Maria, CA06-1986
No Degree - Recreation
Santa Monica College
Santa Monica, CA01-1978
Skills
- Chart update
- IV management
- Diabetes management
- Vaccine administration
- Culturally-sensitive care
- Health screening
- Medical assessment
- Nursing staff leadership
- Patient care planning
- Medication administration
- IV setup
- Vision screenings
- Patient assessments
- Chronic disease management
- Evaluations
- Patient Check-ins
- Patient counseling
- Reporting and documentation
- Direct patient care
- Medication and IV administration
- Emergency care
- Family and patient support
- Call triaging
- Policy compliance
- Patient and family advocacy
- Clinical judgment
- Family education
- Body mechanics
- Psychiatric and mental health care
Timeline
Registered Nurse
Reno Behavioral Healthcare Hospital
01.2019 - Current
Registered Nurse
High Desert State Prison
08.2005 - 08.2018
Registered Nurse
San Luis Obispo County Mental Health
01.2002 - 06.2005
Associate of Science - Registered Nursing
Cuesta College
No Degree - LVN
Allan Hancock College
No Degree - Recreation
Santa Monica College
Similar Profiles
Kristine KnightKristine Knight
Medical Records Coordinator and Coder at Reno Behavioral Healthcare HospitalMedical Records Coordinator and Coder at Reno Behavioral Healthcare Hospital
Kamryn CadenaKamryn Cadena
Mental Health Technician at Reno Behavioral Healthcare HospitalMental Health Technician at Reno Behavioral Healthcare Hospital
Bryan HicksBryan Hicks
Mental Health Technician at Reno Behavioral Healthcare HospitalMental Health Technician at Reno Behavioral Healthcare Hospital