Melissa C. Rodriguez
Albuquerque
Summary
Psychiatric Registered Nurse with extensive experience in mental health care, implementing patient safety protocols and crisis intervention strategies. Committed to fostering therapeutic environments and mentoring future nursing professionals, enhancing the quality of care delivered to diverse patient populations.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Psychiatric Registered Nurse
Raymond G. Murphy VA Medical Center
05.2019 - Current
- Oversaw care of suicidal patients and acted swiftly to reduce risk of harm to themselves or others.
- Ensured patient safety by closely monitoring behaviors and administering medications.
- Responded to numerous volatile situations and violent outbreaks to restore safety and security of patients and staff.
- Responded swiftly to safety and security threats by implementing crisis prevention interventions that effectively controlled and de-escalated volatile situations.
- Facilitated therapeutic communication and crisis intervention by redirecting negative behaviors, enabling patients to regain coping abilities and stabilize their emotional state.
- Conducted ongoing monitoring and evaluations of behaviors and conditions, and updated clinical supervisors with current information.
- Promoted a therapeutic environment by establishing rapport, maintaining boundaries, and fostering open communication with patients and families.
- Collaborated with psychiatrists to adapt treatment plans based on real-time observations of patient symptoms and behavior changes, enhancing individualized care.
- Mentored nursing students during clinical rotations at the psychiatric facility, sharing knowledge and expertise while promoting their professional growth.
Certified Nursing Assistant
Raymond G. Murphy VA Medical Center
05.2017 - 05.2019
- Monitored patient vitals, including temperature, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels, to ensure timely medical interventions.
- Provided high-quality personal care services such as bathing, grooming, dressing, and feeding to ensure patient dignity.
- Responded promptly to call lights and communicated patient condition changes to nurses, facilitating timely care delivery.
- Prevented pressure ulcers development through frequent turning, repositioning of patients, and diligent skin assessments.
- Reduced fall incidents by implementing safety measures like bed alarms and proper positioning techniques.
- Established rapport with patients and families, offering emotional support to enhance overall patient experience.
- Maintained a clean, safe environment by sanitizing surfaces, changing linens, and disposing of waste properly.
Oral & Maxillofacial Dental-Surgical Assistant
Albuquerque Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Group
06.1990 - 04.2017
- Assisted in complex surgical procedures, demonstrating adaptability and knowledge across multiple disciplines.
- Facilitated successful surgeries by anticipating surgeon needs and delivering instruments promptly.
- Maintained unobstructed views by effectively retracting, sponging, and suctioning surgical sites.
- Protected patients from infection by setting up and managing sterile operating fields.
- Arranged supplies and instrumentation to meet needs of individual surgeons and enhance team efficiency.
- Prepared surgical team by efficiently gowned and gloving all staff members.
- Provided compassionate care to patients throughout their surgical experience, easing anxiety and ensuring comfort.
- Provided mentorship to new Surgical Assistants in order to maintain high levels of competency within the team.
Education
Master of Science - Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing
Wilkes University
Wilkes-barre, PA05-2025
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM05-2021
Associate of Science - Nursing
Santa Fe Community College
Santa Fe, NM05-2019
Skills
- Mental health evaluation
- Patient assessments
- Medication administration
- Patient-centered care
- Direct patient care
- Clinical documentation
- Patient education
- Patient advocacy
- Therapeutic communication
- Team collaboration
- Active listening
- Team collaboration
- Team collaboration
Certification
- Naloxone Training - 2024
- BLS/CPR Training - 2026
Timeline
Psychiatric Registered Nurse
Raymond G. Murphy VA Medical Center
05.2019 - Current
Certified Nursing Assistant
Raymond G. Murphy VA Medical Center
05.2017 - 05.2019
Oral & Maxillofacial Dental-Surgical Assistant
Albuquerque Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Group
06.1990 - 04.2017
Master of Science - Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing
Wilkes University
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
University of New Mexico
Associate of Science - Nursing
Santa Fe Community College