MELISSA J. PEKAREK

Compassionate and motivated BSN student at National University with 10+ years of high-volume customer service and caregiving experience. Skilled at building rapport with diverse populations, staying calm under pressure, and prioritizing tasks while maintaining safety and quality. Committed to becoming a culturally sensitive, evidence-informed nurse who advocates for patients and collaborates effectively with the interprofessional team.

Professional hospitality worker with extensive experience in delivering high-quality service in busy dining settings. Known for strong focus on teamwork and achieving customer satisfaction. Versatile and reliable, adapting to changing needs and ensuring smooth operations through excellent communication and problem-solving skills.

• BLS, ACLS, PALS - Current
• Certified CNA & HHA - June 2016

STUDENT NURSE – UCSD JACOBS MEDICAL CENTER, SAN DIEGO, CA

NICU - Postpartum - Labor & Delivery | Feb 2026 – Present

• Support newborn and maternal care by performing basic assessments under supervision and accurately reporting findings.
• Provide compassionate, family-centered communication and reinforce patient and parent education.
• Perform skills such as OG tube insertion, IM injections, and assisting with capillary blood gas collection under RN/provider supervision.

STUDENT NURSE – KAISER PERMANENTE SAN DIEGO, SAN DIEGO, CA

ICU - Med-Surg - Telemetry | Oct 2025 – Jan 2026 | 210 hrs

• Assist with fundamental nursing care like vital signs, hygiene, mobility, I&O while monitoring for changes in patient status and notifying the RN.
• Perform skills such as IV starts/management, Foley catheter insertion and care, medication administration, bladder scans, and care of patients with PICC lines under direct supervision.
• Practice infection prevention, fall risk reduction, and accurate documentation to support patient safety.

Gloria McNeal Nurse-Managed Clinic Project – March 2026 – Present

• Participate in community-based nursing care activities to enhance nursing skills and education.

National University Student Nurses Association – April 2024 – Present

• Engage in professional development, peer collaboration, and service activities that support growth as a future RN.

Microbiology Community Service Learning – June 2024

• Participated in community education related to health and disease prevention.

Sociology Community Service Learning – June 2022

• Supported outreach efforts addressing social determinants of health and vulnerable populations with Mental Health barriers.

Spanish Language Learning Certificate April 2014

• Completed 100 hours of Spanish Language in Spain