Rachel A. Melton
West Lafayette,IN
Summary
RN with 20 years of nursing experience, including extensive oncology infusion and nurse navigator roles. Skilled in patient advocacy, care coordination, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Seeking to leverage clinical expertise and leadership experience to deliver high-quality, patient-centered oncology navigation.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Nursing
Purdue University Student Health Center
West Lafayette , IN
07.2024 - Current
- Oversee the daily operations of the nursing department, including staffing, scheduling, budgeting, and resource allocation.
- Supervise daily operations of nursing units to maintain efficient workflows.
- Assess the competency of clinical staff to promote quality, continuity, and safety.
- Develop and implement nursing policies to enhance patient care quality and safety.
- Participate in interdisciplinary teams to discuss patient care issues or concerns, and develop solutions as needed.
- Conduct performance evaluations for all nursing staff members, and make recommendations for improvement when necessary.
Registered Nurse
Purdue University Student Health Center
West Lafayette, IN
01.2020 - 06.2024
- Collaborated with specialty pharmacies to coordinate patient medication shipments.
- Administered IV therapies and injectable medications while ensuring adherence to safety standards.
- Managed inventory and ensured adequate stocking of medical supplies.
- Facilitated patient flow through department to uphold quality service delivery.
- Maintained accurate records of patient care progress and communicated issues to physicians.
- Provided educational resources on health maintenance and disease prevention.
- Adhered to infection control protocols to ensure a safe patient environment.
Oncology Nurse Navigator
Cancer Care Specialists Of Illinois
DECATUR, Illinois
07.2018 - 11.2019
- Ensured compliance with oncology care model through direct, personalized patient care for specific populations.
- Assisted individuals in navigating healthcare systems and securing appointments.
- Delivered education on chemotherapy treatment plans tailored to individual patients.
- Conducted follow-up calls to monitor tolerance to chemotherapy and document adherence to treatment regimens.
- Performed chart audits and data collection to verify alignment with CMS guidelines.
- Developed and provided personalized treatment plan documents and survivorship care plans upon completion of cancer treatment.
Registered Nurse
Raycraft & Jones Orthopaedics
Decatur, Illinois
02.2016 - 06.2018
- Delivered personal nursing support for orthopedic surgeon to ensure optimal patient care.
- Managed scheduling and detailed organization of surgical procedures for each patient.
- Triaged pre-operative and post-operative inquiries to provide timely responses for patients.
- Collaborated with healthcare team to improve patient outcomes throughout surgical processes.
Staff Nurse
Cancer Care Specialists of Illinois
Decatur, Illinois
11.2008 - 03.2016
- Administered chemotherapy treatments following established protocols and tailored to patient needs.
- Monitored vital signs during infusions to ensure safety and comfort.
- Educated patients on treatment plans and potential side effects of chemotherapy.
- Accurately documented patient responses and treatment details in electronic health records.
- Obtained prior authorization from insurance for radiology procedures and specialty medications.
- Provided emotional support to patients and families throughout treatment processes.
- Participated in continuous education programs to remain informed on advancements in chemotherapy.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing, BSN
Millikin University
05.2005
Skills
- Care coordination
- Patient and family education
- Problem solving
- Regulatory compliance and quality improvement
- Multitasking
- Patient advocacy and navigation
- Multidisciplinary collaboration
- Interpersonal communication
Licenses & Certifications
Registered Nurse (RN), State of Indiana, 02/2020-Present
Registered Nurse (RN), Nurse License Compact, State of Indiana, 04/2022-Present
Certified Registered Infusion Nurse (CRNI) - Expires 04/2027
Basic Life Support (BLS) - American Heart Association - Expires 02/2027
Timeline
Director of Nursing
Purdue University Student Health Center
07.2024 - Current
Registered Nurse
Purdue University Student Health Center
01.2020 - 06.2024
Oncology Nurse Navigator
Cancer Care Specialists Of Illinois
07.2018 - 11.2019
Registered Nurse
Raycraft & Jones Orthopaedics
02.2016 - 06.2018
Staff Nurse
Cancer Care Specialists of Illinois
11.2008 - 03.2016
Bachelor of Science - Nursing, BSN
Millikin University