Melissa S Shene
Duluth,MN
Summary
I am a resourceful, enthusiastic registered nurse with over 15 years of outpatient experience obtained from clinical research, oncology nursing, and operational management in a busy cancer center. I have experience working with both adult and pediatric patients with cancer and non-cancer diagnoses. I managed a team of 40 staff members, including clinical assistants, and registered nurses. I am skilled in building consensus among teams, running meetings in person, using online platforms, and juggling multiple groups with differing interests. I have years of training in educating patients on different disease states, and empowering and providing support to patients and their families. I have collaborated with physicians to improve care and enhance the patient experience in a medium-sized oncology practice. I have trained groups of nurses in the safe and appropriate use of medical devices, and mentored new nurses through department orientation programs. I hold a certification in oncology nursing and have a provider card with APHON. I excel at fostering positive relationships, providing honest feedback, simplifying complex information for improved patient understanding, and clear leadership. I have a can-do attitude, and I readily use available resources to problem-solve.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Ambulatory Infusion Nurse
Essentia Health-Cancer Center
Duluth, Minnesota
10.2021 - Current
- Safely and effectively administered high-risk chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and biotherapy via peripheral IV's, PICC lines, and implanted port-a-cath to adult and pediatric patients
- Educated patients and their families regarding complex medical diagnoses and equally complex treatments.
- Promoted optimal patient outcomes through assessment of pertinent lab results, patient-reported toxicities, and understanding of treatment care plans
- Successfully collaborated with physicians and advanced practice providers to employ safe and effective patient care in a 23 suite infusion center
- Improved patient outcomes by providing daily leadership and education to large group newly hired nurses
- Volunteered for We Can Weekend to provide education and support to cancer patients on a family-oriented weekend retreat
Ambulatory Infusion Nurse
University of Vermont - CVPH Medical Center
Plattsburgh, NY
12.2020 - 10.2021
- Safely and quickly adapted to new policies and procedures in providing high-risk infusions to oncology patients in outpatient setting
- Worked collaboratively with healthcare team members to provide continuity of care
- Demonstrated high quality and effective patient education and customer service skills
- Effectively worked with nursing teams in telephone triage and infusion to provide safe, evidence-based quality patient care
Ambulatory Infusion Nurse
Essentia Health Cancer Center
Duluth, MN
11.2018 - 07.2020
- Provided safe administration of high-risk IV medications to oncology, gastroenterology, and rheumatology patients
- Advocated for patients regarding insurance coverage and prior authorization issues related to prescribed infusion medications
- Promoted high quality use of therapy to improve patient satisfaction through proper patient toxicity assessment
Nurse Navigator/Oncology Infusion Nurse
Essentia Health
Duluth, Minnesota
09.2011 - 02.2016
- Facilitated communication between providers, patients, and families throughout the treatment process.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.
- Served as a liaison between patients, families, providers, payers, and other stakeholders.
- Collaborated closely with physicians to ensure quality care
Clinical Research Nurse Coordinator
Essentia Health
Duluth, Minnesota
06.2009 - 09.2011
- Coordinated clinical trials program in collaboration with oncologists, nurses, and managers.
- Educated breast cancer patients and families on treatment decision-making related to clinical trials.
- Aided patients in navigating emotional and physical difficulties throughout rigorous chemotherapy protocols
- Coordinated patient education initiatives to enhance Ideal Patient Experience.
- Established and maintained essential relationships with local and regional healthcare professionals.
- Developed workflows enhancing staff compliance with clinical trials reporting deadlines.
Operations Manager
Essentia Health Cancer Center
Duluth, Minnesota
- Directed operations for multiple units with 50 employees within a fast-paced cancer center. Units included Breast Health Center, Radiation Oncology, Ambulatory Infusion, Nurse Navigation/Telephone Triage, and Adult and Pediatric Oncology.
- Maintained regulatory compliance with JCAHO through systematic internal audits.
- Delivered monthly nursing education sessions for internal and external teams to enhance knowledge retention
- Dismantled barriers within department, promoting effective staff communication and collegiality.
- Coordinated with external departments to streamline workflows, facilitating timely prior authorization of high-cost medications.
- Facilitated daily open-door policy to enhance staff emotional well-being and professional relationships
Education
Associate of Science - Nursing
Fond Du Lac Tribal And Community College
Cloquet, MN06-2009
Bachelor of Arts - International Studies
University of Minnesota, Duluth
Duluth, MN12-1992
Skills
- Oncology/Infusion
- Nursing
- Leadership and motivation
- Team Building
- Patient advocacy
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Blood transfusion
- Intravenous therapy
- Immunoglobulins
- Chemotherapy, Immunotherapy, Biotherapy
- Infusion pump operation
- Central line management
- Caregiver education
- Patient care coordination
- Blood product administration
- Immunoglobulin infusion
- Venipuncture expertise
- Problem-solving aptitude
- Clinical Trials
- EPIC
- Microsoft Suite
Certification
- Oncology Certified Nurse
- APHON
- BLS
Awards and Memberships
- Past President, Lake Superior Chapter - Oncology Nursing Society
- Essentia Health Ambulatory Nurse Practice Council
- Multiple Daisy Award recipient
Timeline
Ambulatory Infusion Nurse
Essentia Health-Cancer Center
10.2021 - Current
Ambulatory Infusion Nurse
University of Vermont - CVPH Medical Center
12.2020 - 10.2021
Ambulatory Infusion Nurse
Essentia Health Cancer Center
11.2018 - 07.2020
Nurse Navigator/Oncology Infusion Nurse
Essentia Health
09.2011 - 02.2016
Clinical Research Nurse Coordinator
Essentia Health
06.2009 - 09.2011
Operations Manager
Essentia Health Cancer Center
Associate of Science - Nursing
Fond Du Lac Tribal And Community College
Bachelor of Arts - International Studies
University of Minnesota, Duluth