Melissa Wooten
Summary
Dedicated and compassionate Registered Nurse (RN) with a progressive career history in direct patient care, triage, and care coordination in a 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
23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
RN
Aveanna Home Healthcare
06.2024 - Current
- RN Responsibilities:
- In-home nursing care for children and adults with high-tech needs like ventilators, peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC)lines, central venous line (CVL) catheters, tracheostomies, and feeding tubes.
- Implementation of physicians' prescribed plan of care
- Patient assessments and coordination of care
- Administration of prescribed medication, treatments, and therapies
- Compliant, timely documentation of care provided in system of record
- Health promotion, teaching, and training of family members
- Responsible for accepting and writing verbal orders from physicians as required and for obtaining the co-signature of the Case Manager on all verbal orders
- Follow up with physician, client, family members, staff, and Case Manager on client problems, concerns, and/or changes in client condition
- Performs other appropriate duties as assigned
- Developed strong relationships with patients'' families, providing emotional support while addressing concerns or questions about care plans.
- Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
LPN
Cornerstone Healthcare Services
03.2020 - Current
- Home Healthcare nurse providing care for a patient who has a spinal cord injury/ paraplegic
- Duties include but are not limited to assessing patient, help move patient from electronic wheelchair using a ceiling mounted lift to bed, preparing patient for bed, refreshing drinks on a hourly basis or as needed
- Take vital signs, check blood sugars and monitor input and output nightly
- Administer medications per doctor orders
- Flush suprapubic catheter bid nightly with saline
- Monitor urine and document
- Begin nightly bowel program and complete bowel program, document results obtained
- Reposition the patient using foam wedges and pillows to prevent pressure sores
- Empty Suprapubic catheter bag hourly or as needed
- Complete wound care and change dressing bid/prn
- Observe and promptly notify RN and/or physician any adverse physical and /or emotional reactions to the medications
- Perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) when needed
- Conduct patient and family educational teaching and document.
- Utilized time management skills to prioritize tasks effectively, allowing for efficient completion of daily responsibilities.
LPN
Aveanna Home Healthcare
10.2023 - 06.2024
- LPN in-home nursing care for children and adults with high-tech needs like ventilators, peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC)lines, central venous line (CVL) catheters, tracheostomies, and feeding tubes
- Assess patient upon coming on to shift and document
- Give medications as ordered by the physician throughout the day, including through a G-tube
- Trach suctioning as needed
- Perform trach care daily to include changing Velcro ties and bandage dressing
- Perform trach change once a week or as ordered
- Oral suctioning prn
- JG tube care, cleaning of extensions, and cleaning dressings applied daily
- Daily feeding through JG-tube, including changing out of feeding bags, and Ferrell bags, and replenishing formula and water bags
- Perform vital sign checks to include temperature, pulse, respirations, blood pressure, and SaO2 levels and document accordingly
- Perform pain scale rating every 2 hours each day using FLACC score
- Perform daily Passive Range of Motion exercises
- Perform chest physical therapy (CPT) every 4 hours or as ordered per provider
- Perform daily intrapulmonary percussive ventilation (IPV) every four hours and as needed
- Administer nebulizer treatments as prescribed and document results accordingly after the intervention is performed
- Monitor pain levels every 2 hours and document accordingly
- Call in medication refills
- Perform neuro checks every 2 hours during the day and document
- Record intake and output every hour
- Perform all activities of daily living for a patient, patient non-weight bearing, total assist.
- Demonstrated adaptability in working with diverse patient populations across various healthcare settings.
- Adhered to treatment plan instructions when administering medications and treatments to patients.
LPN - Outpatient Surgical Clinics
Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Veteran's Health Administration (This is a federal job)
09.2020 - 09.2023
- Outpatient Surgery Clinics to include the following areas: Vascular Clinic, General Surgery Clinic, Orthopedic Clinic, Plastic Surgery Clinic, ENT Surgical, and Urology Surgical Clinic.
- Assess patients as they come into the clinic taking vital signs including temperature, pulse, respirations, blood pressure, and pain rating and document in Computer Patient Records Software (CPRS)
- Utilized time management skills to prioritize tasks effectively, allowing for efficient completion of daily responsibilities.
- Cared for wounds, provided treatments, and assisted with procedures.
- Demonstrated adaptability in working with diverse patient populations across various healthcare settings.
- Implemented infection control measures, ensuring a clean and safe environment for patients and staff.
- Perform pre-op assessment and document, complete screening for influenza vaccine and smoking status, and clear notifications in CPRS.
- Set up of surgical suite for scheduled and unscheduled procedures, ensuring necessary instruments and sponges are readily available.
- Educate patients with pre-operative and post-operative care.
- Competent with EKG, taking blood for glucometer, obtaining lab specimens, screening of patients as needed, and performing simple dressing changes
- Obtained patient vital signs and input/output measurements from inpatients.
- Assisted with admissions, appointments, transfers, and discharges.
- Administered controlled narcotics, inserted IVs, and performed catheterizations.
- Facilitated smooth transitions from acute care settings to long-term care facilities or home environments.
- Assisted physicians during examinations or procedures as needed, playing a vital role in the overall patient experience.
- Addressed any concerns or questions posed by patients or family members promptly to maintain confidence in their care plan.
- Answered incoming phone calls from patients to provide basic assistance and triage medical concerns.
- Performed wound care treatments using sterile techniques, promoting healing and preventing complications.
- Reduced medication errors by accurately administering medications and diligently verifying patient information.
- Gathered lab specimens, ordered testing, and interpreted results to diagnose patients.
- Delivered updates in patient status to charge nurse, recording changes in medical records.
- Educated patients and caregivers on medical diagnoses, treatment options, chronic disease self-management, and wound management.
- Observe and promptly notify RN/physician of any adverse reactions to medications.
- Orthopedic clinic: Verify x-rays are done before being seen by physicians
- Perform pre-op screening for influenza shot and smoking status clear out notifications in CPRS.
- Remove stitches and staples as directed by a physician.
- Apply steri-strips and dressing as directed by the physician.
- Plastics Surgical Clinic: Make sure all patients have x-rays done before being seen by physician.
- Genitourinary nursing and procedure clinics: Manage flow of patients, keep physicians and Physician Assistants (PA) up to date on schedule throughout the day.
- Set up for sterile procedures and assist physician with cystoscopies, catheter changes on a wire, Suprapubic catheter changes, and Suprapubic catheter punch
- Assisted with set up, patient prep, and assist during the following procedures cystoscopies, vasectomies, circumcisions, lesion removals, nerve blocks, prostrate biopsy, urethral stent pulls, and urethral stent changes
- Assist with set up and patient prep for bladder proliferation and bladder biopsy.
- Clean up and call sterile processing to pick up scopes or surgical instruments after procedures.
- Patient education pre and post-procedure
- LPN adheres to standards of practice and safe technique in preparation and administration of medication to include Eligard and Lupron injections, and antibiotic shots per doctor's order
- Uroflow test and Post Void Residual studies done.
- Patient teaching for Erectile Dysfunction and Edex trials
- Promptly recognizes urgent or emergent patient care situations, seek assistance, and initiates appropriate emergency intervention for all outpatient surgical clinics.
- Break down scopes and pretreat before sending them to sterile processing.
- Supported physicians during examinations and scans to assist with diagnostic procedures.
- Reviewed patient history to verify conditions and current medications.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
- Provided patient education on health care issues and prescribed medications.
- Worked with a multidisciplinary team to carry out successful treatment plans for diverse acute and chronic conditions.
- Clearly and thoroughly explained diagnoses, treatment options, and procedures to patients and loved ones, checking in to verify understanding.
- Delivered emotional support to patients and families during challenging times.
LPN
University Hospital Summerville
02.2019 - 09.2020
- Med/Surg 1: Assess patient at beginning of shift and document findings
- Take vital signs (temperature, pulse, respirations, blood pressure and pain rating) every 4 hours or routinely and document
- Administer medications via oral, topical, opthamolic, IM, IV push and IV antibiotic therapy as ordered by physician and document
- Adhered to treatment plan instructions when administering medications and treatments to patients.
- Improved patient outcomes by providing high-quality nursing care and closely monitoring vital signs.
- Perform IV administration on new patients and start fluids as ordered by physician and document
- Administer antibiotics through PICC lines, and midline, saline or heparin lock, and change dressings; document and make note of blood return
- Administer TPN and lipids as ordered by physician and document
- Document intake and output throughout shift
- Perform foley catheterizations, applying external male/female catheters and document
- Perform machine calibrations
- Perform capillary blood glucose testing (CBG)
- Administer insulin to diabetic patients as needed
- Perform skin assessments and document if skin is intact or if breakdown is observed
- Perform wound care and apply sterile or non-sterile dressing and document
- Place orders for wound assessment and document
- Prepare patients for pre-op procedures
- Perform post-op care as ordered by physician and document
- Perform lab draws and Urinalysis and take to lab
- Report critical labs to physician and document
- Perform patient education and document if patient understands
- Perform tracheotomy care and suction patient as needed
- Perform peg tube feedings and feedings via pumps
- Perform change in wafers for colostomy patients
- Perform placement of NG tube, check for placement and document
- Administration of blood following policy and procedure per physician and document
- Perform EKGs as ordered by physician and report results back to physician and document
- Apply telemetry for continuous monitoring according to orders and document
- Update RN of patient status through out shift and report any changes
- Report any status changes to physician
- Perform patient and family teaching on medical disease, medications and treatment plan, document patient and family understanding.
- Utilized time management skills to prioritize tasks effectively, allowing for efficient completion of daily responsibilities.
- Cared for wounds, provided treatments, assisted with procedures and examinations.
License Practical Nurse
Aveanna Healthcare
03.2018 - 02.2019
- LPN in-home nursing care for children and adults with high tech needs like ventilators, tracheostomies and feeding tubes
- Assess patient upon coming on to shift and document
- Give medications as ordered by physician throughout the day, including through G-tube
- Trach suctioning as needed
- Perform trach care daily to include changing Velcro ties and bandage dressing
- Preform trach change once a week or as ordered
- Oral suctioning prn
- JG tube care, cleaning of extensions, cleaning dressings applied daily
- Daily feeding through JG-tube, to include changing out of feeding bags replenishing formula and water bags
- Perform vital sign checks to include temperature, pulse, respirations, blood pressure, and SaO2 levels and document accordingly
- Perform pain scale rating every 2 hours each day using FLACC score
- Perform daily Passive Range of Motion exercises
- Perform chest physical therapy (CPT) every 4 hours
- Perform daily Intrapulmonary Percussive ventilation (IPV) every four hours and as needed
- Administer nebulizer treatments as prescribed and document results accordingly after intervention was performed
- Monitor pain levels every 2 hours and document accordingly
- Call in medication refills
- Perform neuro checks every 2 hours during the day and document
- Record intake and output every hour
- Perform all activities of daily living for patient, patient non-weight bearing, total assist.
License Practical Nurse (LPN)
Mizell Memorial Hospital
02.2016 - 05.2016
- LPN: License Practical Nurse on Med/Surg floor Duties and Responsibilities: Performed initial/post patient evaluation at beginning and end of shifts
- Prioritizes nursing care
- Administers direct personal care to patient
- Performs technical and nontechnical procedures to include preparation or knowledge of situation, decision making or problem solving, leadership, teamwork, communication and management of stress and fatigue
- Performed sterile dressing changes
- Perform wound debridement and apply sterile dressing as required
- Perform urinary catheterization
- Performed capillary blood glucose testing for diabetic patients
- Document intake and output on patients and document findings
- Collecting blood samples
- Collecting urine and stool samples
- Providing catheter and colostomy care
- Giving insulin injections to diabetic patients
- Administers medications and monitors IV fluids
- Assisted patients to prepare for diagnostic test
- Established and maintained therapeutic relationships with patients, families and significant others
- Receives information from RN
- Keeps RN informed on patient condition
- Communicates with other health care team members
- Documenting nursing observations and interventions
- Admitted and billed patient
- Performed patient vital sign check to include respirations, blood pressure, temperature, heart rate
- Educate and encourage patients to avoid unhealthy routines
- Assist registered nurse and other superior nurses to develop best care plan for the patient
- Complete scheduled Nebulizer treatments or prn treatments
- Assist in IV set-ups: validate solution to be regulated, analyzing infusion site, keep track of IV function and patient comfort, and terminate IV at an appropriate time as ordered by M.D
- Manage adequate inventory of examination room supplies and set the rooms up
- Various office responsibilities: answer calls, reply to messages
- Help to coordinate patient referrals
- Documentation on all patients every 2 hours
- Assist with various clinical, diagnostic, therapeutic and emergency procedures
- Review the patient's record prior to the procedure
- Obtain EKG's, blood samples, initiates intravenous therapy and assists with blood transfusion, assesses pain and co-morbidity conditions that might affect outcome
- Administer medication under direct supervision of the physician and sets up needles, syringes, catheters and/or balloons
- Prepare suites for recovery to include equipment and supplies according to the procedure and patient age.
- Conducted comprehensive assessments of new patients to identify risks, needs, goals, and appropriate interventions.
- Streamlined nursing procedures by consistently updating knowledge of best practices and industry standards.
- Worked with multidisciplinary team to carry out successful treatment plans for diverse acute and chronic conditions.
- Assessed patients' temperature, pulse, and blood pressure and recorded in electronic medical records.
- Reviewed patient history to verify conditions and current medications.
- Administered medications and injections to patients.
- Supported physicians during examinations and scans to assist with diagnostic procedures.
- Educated patients and caregivers on medical diagnoses, treatment options, chronic disease self-management and wound management.
- Delivered updates in patient status to charge nurse, recording changes in medical records.
- Used aseptic techniques to provide sterilized wound care and dressing applications.
Nursing Assistant
Peach Medical Associates
04.2005 - 06.2009
- Duties and Responsibilities: Obtaining information from patient/or family identifying major complaints, symptoms, or reason for seeking healthcare
- Taking vital signs to include: blood pressure, temperature, pulse, pain level, respirations, height, weight, measuring head circumference and length
- Prep patient for in office procedures
- Assist with sterile procedures
- Take blood for testing
- Performing hemoccult testing
- Give injections as ordered by physician
- Perform ECG's on patient as ordered
- Hook patients up with holter monitor, explain procedure and what to do during the time patient is wearing monitor
- Giving allergy injections
- Giving Testosterone injections
- Giving flu shots
- Performing Strep test
- Preforming flu test
- Reading urinalysis
- Assist with various clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic and emergency procedures
- Review the patient's record prior to the procedure
- Obtain EKG's, blood samples, initiates intravenous therapy and assists with blood transfusion, assesses pain and co-morbidity conditions that might affect outcome
- Administer medication under direct supervision of the physician and sets up needles, syringes, catheters and/or balloons
- Prepare suites for recovery to include equipment and supplies according to the procedure and patient age.
Certified Nursing Assistant
Pediatric Associates
04.2001 - 03.2005
- Certified Nursing Assistant: Obtaining information from patient and/or family to identify major complaints, symptoms or reason for seeking health care
- Taking vitals (blood pressure, temperature, pulse, respirations, pain level, height, weight, measurement of head circumference and length)
- Perform behavioral health screenings
- Performed well child checks birth to age 18
- Assist physician with various examinations and diagnostic procedures
- Screen and review immunization records, filling out Georgia Form 3231 school immunization records for school
- Perform lab work as ordered by physician
- Perform strep testing, venipuncture, urinalysis, PKU testing for newborns
- Perform vision, hearing, and dental forms for Georgia Pre-K Programs
- Taking medication refill request
- Calling in prescriptions to pharmacy
- Preforming strep test, urinalysis, drawing blood for CBC's, performing a number of different lab test
- Running lab controls in am before seeing patients.
Education
Bachelor's degree - LPN-BSN
East Tennessee State University
05.2024
Technical or occupational certificate - Practical Nursing
George C. Wallace Community College
12.2015
Technical or occupational certificate - Electrocardiography
Central Georgia Technical College
05.2011
Skills
- Health Promotion
- Basic Life Support
- Compassion and Empathy
- HIPAA Compliance
- Vital signs monitoring
- Clinical judgment
- Teamwork and Collaboration
Certification
BLS: 06/2023
Registered Professional Nurse
Georgia License number: RN329369/eNCL
References
- Carolyn Wells, Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Nurse Manager Outpatient Surgery Clinics, 803-646-2045, CarolynWells@va.gov
- Angela Ward, Carl Vinson VA Medical Center, RN, 478-456-9720, angela.ward1@va.gov
- Trish Warren, Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center Downtown, RN, 706-830-9569, Patricia.Warren1@va.gov
Timeline
RN
Aveanna Home Healthcare
06.2024 - Current
LPN
Aveanna Home Healthcare
10.2023 - 06.2024
LPN - Outpatient Surgical Clinics
Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Veteran's Health Administration (This is a federal job)
09.2020 - 09.2023
LPN
Cornerstone Healthcare Services
03.2020 - Current
LPN
University Hospital Summerville
02.2019 - 09.2020
License Practical Nurse
Aveanna Healthcare
03.2018 - 02.2019
License Practical Nurse (LPN)
Mizell Memorial Hospital
02.2016 - 05.2016
Nursing Assistant
Peach Medical Associates
04.2005 - 06.2009
Certified Nursing Assistant
Pediatric Associates
04.2001 - 03.2005
Bachelor's degree - LPN-BSN
East Tennessee State University
Technical or occupational certificate - Practical Nursing
George C. Wallace Community College
Technical or occupational certificate - Electrocardiography
Central Georgia Technical College
BLS: 06/2023
Registered Professional Nurse
Georgia License number: RN329369/eNCL
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