Melodi Ashford
Belton,MO
Summary
Accomplished and motivated Registered Nurse with over 20 years of diverse industry experience, consistently exceeding objectives and enhancing patient outcomes. Expertise in delivering high-quality patient care is complemented by strong leadership abilities that foster team development and elevate patient satisfaction. Proven skills in effective collaboration with healthcare providers, physicians, and administrators to address complex patient needs while streamlining safety protocols for comprehensive care. Commitment to superior nursing services is underscored by a focus on education, counseling, and continuous improvement in healthcare practices, along with extensive experience in hospice start-up procedures.
Overview
1
1
Certification
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Branch Director
Enhabit Hospice
Lee's Summit, MO
01.2026 - Current
- Managed operational processes for hospice services to maintain compliance with regulations and enhance patient care quality.
- Designed and executed strategies aimed at improving patient satisfaction while streamlining operational workflows.
- Facilitated training sessions to enhance staff knowledge on patient care standards and operational effectiveness.
- Worked alongside interdisciplinary teams to develop detailed care plans, focusing on patient and family needs.
- Conducted analysis of performance metrics to enhance operational efficiency and implemented strategic solutions.
- Engaged with multidisciplinary teams to create and execute thorough care plans tailored to individual patient needs.
- Implemented initiatives to foster diversity and inclusivity, resulting in improved employee satisfaction and engagement levels.
- Fostered professional development opportunities to cultivate leadership skills and improve staff retention.
- Fostered a positive work environment by regularly acknowledging outstanding employee achievements and their impact on team objectives.
Director of Clinical Services
Luminary Hospice
Kansas City, MO
01.2025 - 01.2026
- Oversaw clinical operations to improve patient care quality while adhering to regulatory requirements.
- Designed and launched strategic initiatives focused on improving service delivery efficiency across hospice programs.
- Partnered with interdisciplinary teams to evaluate patient needs, ensuring tailored care plans were developed to enhance patient outcomes.
- Performed thorough audits to ensure adherence to clinical service standards, fostering organizational accountability.
- Managed recruitment strategies aimed at attracting exceptional candidates, fostering a highly skilled team dedicated to delivering outstanding patient care.
- Cultivated an environment of ongoing improvement through active encouragement of staff contributions to process optimization and best practices implementation.
- Established and maintained effective communication with staff, physicians and community organizations to promote high quality patient care.
Clinical Manager
Amedisys Hospice
Kansas City, MO
04.2024 - 01.2025
- Communicates effectively with staff members, physicians, and patients, employing active listening and interpersonal skills.
- Regularly evaluates employee performance and provided feedback.
- Promotes high morale and staff retention through dynamic communication, prompt problem resolution, proactive supervisory practices and facilitation of positive work environment.
- Ensures compliance with regulatory guidelines and accreditation standards through consistent monitoring and implementation of corrective actions when needed.
- Implemented new policies and educated staff on changes.
- Promoted high morale and staff retention through dynamic communication, prompt problem resolution, proactive supervisory practices and facilitation of positive work environment.
- Created work schedules for up to 15 employees and oversaw functioning of clinical department.
RN Case Manager
Harbor Hospice
Independence, MO
04.2023 - 04.2024
- Enhanced patient care by developing comprehensive care plans and coordinating with interdisciplinary healthcare teams.
- Reduced hospital readmission rates through effective case management and patient education on self-care techniques.
- Optimized resource utilization by identifying opportunities for cost containment while maintaining quality of care.
- Collaborated closely with physicians to develop individualized treatment plans, supporting optimal patient outcomes.
- Managed complex cases involving multiple comorbidities, requiring close monitoring and coordination of various healthcare services.
- Provided emotional support to patients coping with chronic illness or end-of-life decisions, fostering resilience during difficult times.
- Coordinated patient care plans with interdisciplinary teams to enhance overall quality of life.
- Assessed patient needs and developed individualized care strategies aligned with hospice goals.
Registered Nurse Case Manager, Hospice
Harbor Hospice
Overland Park, KS
09.2021 - 04.2023
- Enhanced patient care by developing comprehensive care plans and coordinating with interdisciplinary healthcare teams.
- Reduced hospital readmission rates through effective case management and patient education on self-care techniques.
- Optimized resource utilization by identifying opportunities for cost containment while maintaining quality of care.
- Collaborated closely with physicians to develop individualized treatment plans, supporting optimal patient outcomes.
- Managed complex cases involving multiple comorbidities, requiring close monitoring and coordination of various healthcare services.
- Provided emotional support to patients coping with chronic illness or end-of-life decisions, fostering resilience during difficult times.
- Coordinated patient care plans with interdisciplinary teams to enhance overall quality of life.
- Assessed patient needs and developed individualized care strategies aligned with hospice goals.
Director of Nursing
Ensign
Olathe, KS
06.2021 - 09.2021
- Collaborated with staff, management and external groups to coordinate patient care.
- Performed rounds to observe care and interview staff, residents and families.
- Established new policies and updated existing policies to improve standard of care for patients.
- Developed positive employee relations, incentives and recognition programs to promote teamwork and mutual respect.
Director of Nursing
Carnegie Village
Belton, MO
01.2020 - 06.2021
- Collaborated with staff, management and external groups to coordinate patient care.
- Performed rounds to observe care and interview staff, residents and families.
- Established new policies and updated existing policies to improve standard of care for patients.
- Developed positive employee relations, incentives and recognition programs to promote teamwork and mutual respect.
- Evaluated work performance of nursing personnel to determine wage increases and implement discipline.
- Participated in management team meetings to discuss resident status, census changes and resident complaints or concerns.
- Established and monitored infection control programs to provide safe, sanitary environment to prevent transmission of disease and infection.
- Identified department issues to recommend corrective actions.
- Developed and updated policies and procedures, maintaining compliance with statutory, regulatory and local, state and federal guidelines relating to HIPAA, benefits administration and general liability.
- Designed and introduced leadership development, coaching and team management model, resulting in promotion of employees into increased levels of responsibility.
- Communicated with patients, ensuring that medical information was kept private.
- Spearheaded and implemented new projects to expand scope of engagement.
- Improved patient care quality by implementing evidence-based nursing practices and protocols.
Registered Nurse
HCA
Kansas City, MO
12.2018 - 01.2020
- Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
- Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process and management and lifestyle options.
- Administered medications via oral, IV and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
- Managed care from admission to discharge.
- Administered medications and treatment to patients and monitored responses while working with healthcare teams to adjust care plans.
- Secured controlled narcotics and distributed medication on schedule to meet patient needs and minimize misuse opportunities.
- Managed quality care for patients with heart failure, end-stage renal disease and coronary artery disease.
Registered Nurse
Corizon Health
Cameron, Missouri
03.2018 - 12.2018
- Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
- Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures and safety protocols.
- Administered medications via oral, IV and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
- Monitored patient condition by interpreting and tracking EKG readings, identifying irregular telemetry readings and updating team members on changes in stability or acuity.
- Improved patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based nursing interventions and individualized care plans.
Licensed Practical Nurse
Living Community of St. Joseph, LPN
Saint Joseph, Missouri
07.2017 - 03.2018
- Documented accurate and complete patient information to address patient problems and expected outcomes.
- Administered controlled narcotics, inserted IVs and performed catheterizations.
- Performed routine evaluations of each patient's status, needs and preferences.
- Administered medications and treatments as prescribed by healthcare providers.
- Assisted with admissions, appointments, transfers, and discharges.
- Monitored, tracked and conveyed important patient information to healthcare staff to help optimize treatment planning and care delivery.
Education
Associate of Science - Nursing
Central Missouri College
Maryville, Missouri2015
Skills
- Strong verbal and written communication
- Staff management
- Clinical team management
- Employee scheduling
- Clinical care coordination
- Caregiver and Family Support
- Ensuring patient safety compliance
- Patient care evaluation
- Personnel needs assessment
- Supervision of healthcare staff
Certification
Infection Control Certification- issued by CDC
CPR
HCHB Superuser
Timeline
Branch Director
Enhabit Hospice
01.2026 - Current
Director of Clinical Services
Luminary Hospice
01.2025 - 01.2026
Clinical Manager
Amedisys Hospice
04.2024 - 01.2025
RN Case Manager
Harbor Hospice
04.2023 - 04.2024
Registered Nurse Case Manager, Hospice
Harbor Hospice
09.2021 - 04.2023
Director of Nursing
Ensign
06.2021 - 09.2021
Director of Nursing
Carnegie Village
01.2020 - 06.2021
Registered Nurse
HCA
12.2018 - 01.2020
Registered Nurse
Corizon Health
03.2018 - 12.2018
Licensed Practical Nurse
Living Community of St. Joseph, LPN
07.2017 - 03.2018
Associate of Science - Nursing
Central Missouri College