Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic
Melissa B  Foster

Melissa B Foster

South Otselic,NY

Summary

Hardworking nursing professional bringing 22+ years of experience delivering exceptional care to perioperative patients. Knowledgeable about hospital requirements and skilled at maximizing patient comfort and safety while meeting strict cost control standards. Well-organized and forward-thinking in managing patient needs.

Overview

22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Travel Registered Nurse, Operating Room

Travel Nurses Inc., An OR Nurses Nationwide
02.2024 - Current

Demonstrated expertise in a variety of surgical specialties, including orthopedics, neurosurgery spine cases, obstetrics/gynecology, urology, and general procedures.

  • Served as mentor to new staff members, sharing expertise and guidance on best practices in the operating room setting.
  • Increased patient satisfaction scores through consistent delivery of compassionate pre-and post-operative care tailored to individual needs.
  • Skillfully managed time-sensitive tasks like charting vital signs fluctuations during surgery while also attending to the needs of the surgical team.
  • Participated in continuous education opportunities to stay current on industry best practices and advancements in surgical nursing care.

Substitute School Nurse

Liverpool Central School District
09.2023 - Current
  • Assisted in preventing school-wide outbreaks by monitoring student immunization records and addressing non-compliance promptly.
  • Collaborated with teachers and staff to ensure a safe and healthy learning environment for all students.
  • Contributed to the ongoing professional development of colleagues by sharing best practices and staying current on industry trends.
  • Reduced the spread of infectious diseases by implementing effective infection control measures within the school setting.
  • Provided support for students with disabilities by coordinating necessary accommodations in collaboration with special education teams.

Registered Nurse, Float Pool

Community Memorial Hospital
06.2023 - Current
  • Served as a resource for other nurses on the Float Pool, offering guidance on policies, procedures, and best practices.
  • Mentored new nursing staff, sharing best practices for patient care and fostering a supportive team atmosphere.
  • Strengthened relationships between nursing teams across various units through regular collaboration on shared float pool initiatives and projects.
  • Facilitated smooth transitions between shifts by providing thorough handoff reports to incoming nurses, ensuring continuity of care.

Travel Registered Nurse, Operating Room

Supplemental Health Care
10.2023 - 02.2024
  • Demonstrated expertise in a variety of surgical specialties, including orthopedics, neurosurgery spine cases, obstetrics/gynecology, urology, and general procedures.
  • Skillfully managed time-sensitive tasks like charting vital signs fluctuations during surgery while also attending to the needs of the surgical team.
  • Developed strong rapport with patients by actively listening to their concerns and providing empathetic support throughout their surgical journey.
  • Served as a mentor to new staff members, sharing expertise and guidance on best practices in the operating room setting.

Travel Registered Nurse, Operating Room

Medical Solutions
07.2023 - 09.2023
  • Demonstrated expertise in a variety of surgical specialties, including orthopedics, gynecology, urology, general, and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) procedures.
  • Developed strong rapport with patients by actively listening to their concerns and providing empathetic support throughout their surgical journey.
  • Served as a mentor to new staff members, sharing expertise and guidance on best practices in the operating room setting.
  • Enhanced patient outcomes by providing high-quality perioperative care in a fast-paced operating room environment.
  • Level 2 Trauma Center

Travel Registered Nurse, Operating Room

Medical Solutions
07.2022 - 06.2023
  • Demonstrated adaptability when assigned to different units or shifts as needed, seamlessly integrating into diverse healthcare teams while maintaining exceptional performance levels.
  • Demonstrated expertise in a variety of surgical specialties, including orthopedics, gynecology, urology, general, cataract, and ear, nose, and throat (ENT) procedures.
  • Administered medications and treatment to patients and monitored responses while working with healthcare teams to adjust care plans.
  • Prevented complications in critical situations by promptly recognizing symptoms and initiating appropriate interventions.
  • Safeguarded patient privacy rights through diligent compliance with HIPAA regulations during all interactions with medical records and personal information.

Certified Nursing Assistant Instructor

DCMO BOCES
11.2019 - 09.2022
  • Worked collaboratively to teach new nursing staff how to work with team members and freely report problems.
  • Conducted engaging lectures, demonstrations, and group activities to foster a collaborative learning environment for CNA students.
  • Ensured proper use of equipment during skill demonstrations, promoting safety while teaching essential procedures for patient care tasks.
  • Completed consistent rounds at beginning and end of shifts to effectively hand off patients to incoming nurses.
  • Teaching the 11th and 12th grade students during the day.
  • Taught phlebotomy program to adults in the evening

Surgical Services Registered Nurse/Licensed Practical Nurse

Community Memorial Hospital
06.2005 - 02.2022
  • Demonstrated expertise in a variety of surgical specialties, including orthopedics, neurosurgery spine cases, obstetrics/gynecology, general, cataract eye, endoscopies and colonoscopy procedures.
  • Scrubbed, circulated, and recovered patients.
  • Floated to ambulatory, gastroenterology for procedures, medical/surgical (Med/Surg)unit and emergency department to assist. Also cardio to assist with cardioversions and transesophageal echocardiograms (TEE).
  • Supported successful patient recovery from surgery through proper discharge planning and follow-up care coordination.
  • Enhanced the quality of surgical services by participating in performance improvement initiatives aimed at addressing areas for growth and development within the department.
  • Enhanced surgical team performance by effectively communicating with surgeons, anesthesia providers, and other healthcare professionals.
  • Reduced infection rates through diligent adherence to aseptic techniques and strict infection control protocols.
  • Provided mentoring support for new graduate nurses entering the perioperative setting, fostering positive learning environments that encouraged skill development.

Registered Nurse, Post-Anesthesia Care Unit

Rome Memorial Hospital
07.2021 - 09.2021
  • Provided timely interventions to address airway management complications such as respiratory depression or obstruction in post-operative patients.
  • Reduced complications by promptly identifying and addressing post-operative issues in PACU patients.
  • Enhanced patient recovery by providing comprehensive post-anesthesia care and monitoring vital signs.
  • Decreased medication errors by meticulously administering medications following proper protocols and verifying dosages.
  • Floated to assist in Ambulatory and assisted with cardioversions and transesophageal echocardiograms (TEE).

Substitute School Nurse

Otselic Valley Central School
12.2017 - 06.2020
  • Provided compassionate care to ill or injured students, coordinating with parents as needed for timely pickup or further medical attention.
  • Developed strong relationships with diverse student populations, fostering trust in the nurse''s office as a safe space for support and assistance.
  • Ensured timely response to emergencies by maintaining current certifications in CPR, First Aid, and other pertinent training programs.

Registered Nurse, Medical-Surgical Unit

Community Memorial Hospital
04.2010 - 07.2012
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for optimal patient care, ensuring seamless communication between healthcare providers.
  • Consistently maintained accurate documentation of patient assessments, interventions, and outcomes in accordance with regulatory requirements.
  • Skillfully performed venipuncture, IV insertion, and catheterizations, ensuring proper technique and adherence to infection control standards.
  • Provided health education to patients and families regarding discharge instructions and plans of care.

Registered Nurse Supervisor

Betsy Ross Rehabilitation & Nursing
06.2009 - 04.2010
  • Developed strong rapport with patients and families, providing emotional support during challenging situations.
  • Addressed patient concerns promptly by investigating issues thoroughly and collaborating with appropriate personnel to resolve problems efficiently.
  • Served as a liaison between administration, medical staff, and nursing team for seamless communication and coordination of care efforts.
  • Managed staffing schedules, ensuring adequate coverage for all shifts while minimizing overtime costs.
  • Mentored junior nurses in clinical decision-making skills, fostering their professional growth and development.

Licensed Practical Nurse

Betsy Ross Rehabilitation & Nursing
05.2007 - 06.2009
  • Improved patient outcomes by administering medications, monitoring vital signs, and documenting relevant information.
  • Cared for wounds, provided treatments, and assisted with procedures.
  • Assisted with admissions, appointments, transfers, and discharges.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary healthcare teams to ensure continuous quality improvement in patient care delivery.
  • Demonstrated excellent technical skills in wound dressing changes, IV therapy administration, catheter insertion, and other routine nursing procedures.
  • Managed patient care through closely monitoring respiration, blood pressure, and blood glucose levels.
  • Managed time-sensitive tasks effectively under pressure while maintaining composure during critical situations or emergencies.

Licensed Practical Nurse

James Square Health And Rehabilitation Center
05.2006 - 05.2007
  • Improved patient outcomes by administering medications, monitoring vital signs, and documenting relevant information.
  • Cared for wounds, provided treatments, and assisted with procedures.
  • Assisted with admissions, appointments, transfers, and discharges.
  • Documented accurate and complete patient information to address patient problems and expected outcomes.
  • Managed patient care through closely monitoring respiration, blood pressure, and blood glucose levels.
  • Demonstrated excellent technical skills in wound dressing changes, catheter insertion, and other routine nursing procedures.

Licensed Practical Nurse/Electrocardiogram Technician

Community Memorial Hospital
11.2004 - 06.2005
  • Improved patient outcomes by administering medications, monitoring vital signs, and documenting relevant information.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary healthcare teams to ensure continuous quality improvement in patient care delivery.
  • Documented accurate and complete patient information to address patient problems and expected outcomes.
  • Facilitated efficient communication between patients, families, and healthcare providers to promote continuity of care across settings.
  • Managed time-sensitive tasks effectively under pressure while maintaining composure during critical situations or emergencies.

Licensed Practical Nurse, Medical/Surgical Unit

Community Memorial Hospital
11.2003 - 11.2004
  • Improved patient outcomes by administering medications, monitoring vital signs, and documenting relevant information.
  • Cared for wounds, provided treatments, and assisted with procedures.
  • Assisted with admissions, appointments, transfers, and discharges.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary healthcare teams to ensure continuous quality improvement in patient care delivery.

Certified Nursing Assistant, Skilled Nursing

Community Memorial Hospital
05.2002 - 11.2003
  • Provided high-quality personal care services such as bathing, grooming, dressing, and feeding to ensure patient dignity.
  • Assisted patients with daily living activities for enhanced comfort and wellbeing.
  • Checked patient vitals such as temperature, blood pressure, pule, and respirations.
  • Maintained a clean, safe environment by sanitizing surfaces, changing linens, and disposing of waste properly.
  • Worked in the skilled nursing facility and the medical/surgical unit.
  • Improved patient care quality by monitoring and recording vital signs, fluid intake, and output.
  • Answered call lights and supported patient comfort and safety by adjusting bed rails and equipment.
  • Promoted good oral and personal hygiene by aiding patients with shaving, bathing, and teeth brushing.
  • Reduced fall incidents by implementing safety measures like bed alarms and proper positioning techniques.
  • Prevented pressure ulcers development through frequent turning, repositioning of patients, and diligent skin assessments.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Nursing

The University of Texas At Arlington
Arlington, TX
05.2024

Associate of Science - Nursing

Mohawk Valley Community College
Utica, NY
05.2009

Graduated Licensed Practical Nurse Program - License Practical Nurse

Madison-Oneida BOCES
Verona, NY
07.2002

Skills

  • Vital signs monitoring
  • Airway Management
  • Electronic Medical Records
  • Preoperative preparation
  • Sterile technique
  • Infection Control
  • Patient Assessments
  • Medication Administration
  • Medication and IV administration
  • Critical Thinking
  • Accurate Documentation
  • Student Precepting

Certification

  • Registered Professional Nurse License - 11/30/2026
  • Basic Life Support, American Heart Association - 06/06/2022-06/2024
  • Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support, American Heart Association - 05/24/2023-05/2025
  • Pediatric Advanced Life Support, American Heart Association - 10/10/2023-10/2025

Timeline

Travel Registered Nurse, Operating Room

Travel Nurses Inc., An OR Nurses Nationwide
02.2024 - Current

Travel Registered Nurse, Operating Room

Supplemental Health Care
10.2023 - 02.2024

Substitute School Nurse

Liverpool Central School District
09.2023 - Current

Travel Registered Nurse, Operating Room

Medical Solutions
07.2023 - 09.2023

Registered Nurse, Float Pool

Community Memorial Hospital
06.2023 - Current

Travel Registered Nurse, Operating Room

Medical Solutions
07.2022 - 06.2023

Registered Nurse, Post-Anesthesia Care Unit

Rome Memorial Hospital
07.2021 - 09.2021

Certified Nursing Assistant Instructor

DCMO BOCES
11.2019 - 09.2022

Substitute School Nurse

Otselic Valley Central School
12.2017 - 06.2020

Registered Nurse, Medical-Surgical Unit

Community Memorial Hospital
04.2010 - 07.2012

Registered Nurse Supervisor

Betsy Ross Rehabilitation & Nursing
06.2009 - 04.2010

Licensed Practical Nurse

Betsy Ross Rehabilitation & Nursing
05.2007 - 06.2009

Licensed Practical Nurse

James Square Health And Rehabilitation Center
05.2006 - 05.2007

Surgical Services Registered Nurse/Licensed Practical Nurse

Community Memorial Hospital
06.2005 - 02.2022

Licensed Practical Nurse/Electrocardiogram Technician

Community Memorial Hospital
11.2004 - 06.2005

Licensed Practical Nurse, Medical/Surgical Unit

Community Memorial Hospital
11.2003 - 11.2004

Certified Nursing Assistant, Skilled Nursing

Community Memorial Hospital
05.2002 - 11.2003

Bachelor of Science - Nursing

The University of Texas At Arlington

Associate of Science - Nursing

Mohawk Valley Community College

Graduated Licensed Practical Nurse Program - License Practical Nurse

Madison-Oneida BOCES
  • Registered Professional Nurse License - 11/30/2026
  • Basic Life Support, American Heart Association - 06/06/2022-06/2024
  • Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support, American Heart Association - 05/24/2023-05/2025
  • Pediatric Advanced Life Support, American Heart Association - 10/10/2023-10/2025
Melissa B Foster