Sylvia Melendrez
Garden Grove,California
Summary
Experienced, compassionate leader with strong background in guiding teams, managing complex projects, and achieving strategic objectives. Excels in developing efficient processes, ensuring high standards, and aligning efforts with organizational goals. Known for a collaborative approach and commitment to excellence.
Overview
2
2
Languages
1
1
Certification
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Clinical Nurse IV
UCI Health
01.2024 - Current
- Supervised nursing assignments and balanced patient care priorities across unit workflow.
- Coordinated shift handoffs to maintain continuity of care and accurate clinical communication.
- Monitored patient conditions and escalated changes to providers for timely intervention.
- Mentored nursing staff on unit procedures, documentation, and bedside best practices.
- Reviewed care plans and adjusted staffing support based on patient acuity needs.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to resolve issues and improve patient outcomes.
- Enforced compliance with safety protocols, infection control standards, and regulatory requirements.
- Coordinated nursing care on unit through staff assignments, assisting and rounding with physicians, monitoring patient orders, and communicating with ancillary departments.
- Conducted daily shift briefs to inform staff of changes in patient care assignments.
- Mentored and supervised junior nurses, fostering a supportive and professional work environment.
- Optimized patient satisfaction through timely response to concerns and effective communication among staff members.
- Collaborated with other healthcare professionals to provide quality patient care.
- Served as a liaison between nursing staff, physicians, and management, fostering open communication channels among all parties involved in patient care.
- Championed a positive work culture by recognizing exemplary performance from team members and addressing conflicts promptly when they arose.
- Supervised and managed daily scheduling, tasking, and administration.
- Maintained accurate documentation of patient information, enabling informed decision-making among the healthcare team members.
- Managed staffing schedules, ensuring adequate coverage while minimizing overtime expenses.
- Coordinated discharge planning, collaborating with patients, families, and healthcare providers to ensure seamless transitions of care.
- Contributed significantly toward Joint Commission accreditation compliance through regular audits, staff education and process improvement recommendations.
- Perinatal Practice Council Chair 2024-2026
- Participated in Medication Safety Committee 2024-current
- Participated in unit Cares Committee 2022-current
Interim Perinatal Assistant Nurse Manager
UC Irvine Health
01.2024 - 11.2025
- Led a team of over 80 nurses, 8 scrub techs, and 8 HUSCs to enhance patient outcomes.
- Facilitated open communication with staff on updates and unit changes to enhance team awareness
- Known as a patient and nurse advocate and a team player, believe in empowering patients by delivering health education and nursing care that enhances wellness and quality of life
- Known as a patient and nurse advocate and a team player, believes in empowering patients by delivering health education and nursing care that enhances wellness and quality of life
- Facilitate conflict resolution and promote a culture of safety by utilizing Team STEPPS
- Maintain open communication with staff regarding updates and unit changes
- Evaluate, enforce and help to update existing protocols according to regulations and uphold the mission of UCI
- Supported nursing manager and co-ANM by coordinating administrative tasks for improved operational efficiency
- Chart audits to maintain regulatory requirements
- Chart audits for incident reports and patient grievances
- Coordinated staff scheduling to ensure adequate coverage
- Supported payroll processing to ensure timely employee compensation
- Coordinated onboarding procedures to support new employee integration
- Participated as a Chair of the Perinatal Practice Council to contribute to policy and practice development
- Cares Committee Facilitator
- Participated in Code Lavender meetings.
Perinatal Assistant Nurse Manager
UCI Health
04.2023 - 01.2024
- Directed daily unit operations, aligning staffing and patient flow with acuity-based assignments.
- Coached charge nurses and clinical staff to strengthen leadership readiness and team accountability.
- Streamlined interdisciplinary coordination to enable safe, timely, patient-centered care.
- Tracked quality, safety, and compliance indicators and closed gaps using corrective action.
- Coordinated interdisciplinary communication to support safe, timely, patient-centered care.
- Monitored quality, safety, and compliance indicators, addressing gaps through corrective action.
- Reviewed schedules, leave coverage, and staffing plans to maintain consistent unit coverage.
- Supported performance evaluations, coaching conversations, and professional development plans.
- Implemented workflow improvements that reduced delays and improved clinical efficiency.
- Resolved patient care escalations, escalating concerns appropriately and ensured prompt follow-up.
- Performed real-time chart audits for patients ensuring accuracy and completeness of information while capitalizing on opportunities for process improvement.
- Resolved conflicts among staff members by employing effective communication techniques and seeking mutually beneficial solutions when issues arose.
- Evaluated staff performance regularly, providing constructive feedback and support for professional development opportunities.
- Managed scheduling to ensure optimal coverage while maintaining a healthy work-life balance for staff members.
- Developed departmental goals and objectives to improve patient satisfaction rating with patients.
- Collaborated with other departments to streamline processes and enhance interdisciplinary teamwork, ultimately improving continuity of care for patients.
- Assisted in budget management, optimizing resource allocation to maximize patient care quality without compromising fiscal responsibility.
- Participated in hospital-wide initiatives aimed at improving overall patient experience and satisfaction levels.
- Ensured timely documentation of all nursing activities within the electronic medical records system, contributing to accurate record keeping and informed decision-making processes.
- Maintained open lines of communication with patients' families to ensure their needs were met and concerns addressed promptly.
- Communicated with members of medical staff and department heads during weekly update meetings.
- Served as a liaison between nursing staff and administration, advocating for the needs of both parties to promote overall organizational success.
- Created work schedules for multiple shifts to confirm complete floor coverage.
- Maintained compliance with regulatory standards by staying up-to-date on industry best practices and incorporating them into daily operations as necessary.
- Promoted a positive work environment by fostering open communication, teamwork, and professional growth opportunities for nursing staff.
- Improved patient safety through close monitoring of infection control practices within the department.
- Streamlined nursing operations for efficiency and quality improvement by conducting regular audits and addressing areas of concern.
- Verified facility remained up-to-date and compliant with laws and regulations.
- To reduce hospital-acquired infections, falls, and medication errors for improved patient safety.
- Assisted the Nurse Manager.
- Supervised, directed, and motivated high-quality performance from nursing staff.
- Reduced turnover rate by implementing effective recruitment strategies, attracting highly skilled nursing professionals to join the team.
- Increased patient satisfaction by implementing individualized care plans and coordinating with interdisciplinary teams.
- Enhanced staff competency by developing and delivering targeted training programs, resulting in improved patient outcomes.
- Established and continuously optimized unit schedules and individual work assignments.
- Evaluated the skills of nursing personnel and verified staff certifications for validity.
- Developed and implemented quality improvement initiatives to provide best possible patient care and identify and address areas of concern.
- Fostered improvement in staff development, personnel training, and standards of patient care.
- Investigated and independently resolved complaints from staff, physicians, and patients by leveraging clinical judgment and unit management expertise.
- Led staff meetings to keep team informed of departmental changes and provide opportunities for nurses to share ideas and concerns.
- Managed over 140 employees and nursing activities in 35-bed unit by providing comprehensive nursing guidance and maintaining outstanding patient satisfaction and care standards.
- Recruited, hired and trained all staff, providing direct supervision, ongoing staff development and continuing education to employees.
- Established and maintained effective communication with staff, physicians and community organizations to promote high quality patient care.
Interim Perinatal Assistant Nurse Manager
UC Irvine Health
11.2022 - 04.2023
- Led a team of over 80 nurses, 8 scrub techs, and 8 HUSCs to enhance patient outcomes.
- Foster open communication with staff to ensure awareness of updates and unit changes
- Communicate with patients, families, nurses and providers to ensure safe patient care is being provided
- Known as a patient and nurse advocate and a team player, believes in empowering patients by delivering health education and nursing care that enhances wellness and quality of life
- Facilitate conflict resolution and promote a culture of safety by utilizing Team STEPPS
- Evaluate, enforce and help to update existing protocols according to regulatory regulations and uphold the mission of UCI
- Evaluate, enforce and help to update existing protocols according to regulations and uphold the mission of UCI
- Assist nursing manager and co-ANM with administrative tasks to streamline operations
- Chart audits to maintain regulatory requirements
- Chart audits for incident reports and patient grievances
- Supported effective operations by managing nursing staff schedules for optimal patient care
- Processed payroll data by verifying hours worked and ensuring accurate employee compensation
- Facilitated new hire onboarding by preparing orientation materials and guiding new employees through policies
- Participated as a member of the Perinatal Practice Council to contribute to maternal and infant health initiatives
- Cares Committee Facilitator
- Participate and attend Code Lavender meetings
Registered Nurse
UC Irvine Health
09.2022 - 11.2022
- Labor and Delivery nurse on High-Risk Labor and Delivery Unit at a prestigious teaching hospital with approximately 120 deliveries per month.
- Cared for high-risk patients, including those with preeclampsia, preterm labor, and diabetes.
- Circulate in the operating room for cesarean sections
- Recovery of cesarean section and vaginal deliveries.
- Educated patients on disease processes such as diabetes, preeclampsia, and preterm delivery.
- Trained in the care of the antepartum and newborn patient.
- Managed 5-bed labor and delivery triage unit, triaging women with obstetrical and non-obstetrical complaints, including cardiac, respiratory, GI workups, and mental health crises.
- Acquired skills in maternal transport procedures to ensure safe transfers of patients. Competent in ambulance and helicopter transports.
- Educate and assist patients with breastfeeding, newborn care, skin to skin bonding, perineal care for vaginal lacerations and wound care for cesarean sections incisions while working with postpartum unit.
- Relief charge RN in both postpartum and labor and delivery units. Responsible for up to 8-10 RNs and up to 26 patients.
Registered Nurse
Kaiser Permanente
12.2021 - 09.2022
- Provide clinic support by overseeing the care of over 300 OB/Gyn patients daily
- Managed medical assistants and LVNs.
- Coordinated daily assignments and schedules for staff to ensure efficient clinic operations
- Managed medication inventory and ordering processes to maintain adequate supply levels
- Daily quality control of point of care testing supplies
- Use proper disinfecting techniques for transvaginal probes and instruments
- Assist in prenatal nonstress testing
- Problem solve clinic issues as they arise
- Ability to prioritize and multitask
- Assist in educating staff on updated policies and procedures
- Manage nurse clinic
- Delivered compassionate care for incision checks, administered RN-only medications, scheduled procedures, completed psychosocial assessments, provided resources/referrals, filled out forms by licensed personnel, and conducted voiding trials
- Conducted weekly nurse STAT assessments to evaluate patient needs
- Assisted with urgent nurse assessments for patients across the entire medical office building.
- Inventory Nurse STAT bag of medications and supplies including their expiration dates
- Oversaw message management to facilitate effective communication
- Performed triage on urgent messages to prioritize patient concerns
- Chart review and provide concise information for provider to review
- Stage orders for providers
- Schedule appointments as seen necessary
- Assessed patients, prioritized nursing interventions, and updated individualized care plans.
- Administered medications safely while monitoring responses and documenting in electronic health records.
- Coordinated interdisciplinary care with physicians, case managers, and ancillary staff.
- Supported infection prevention practices and maintained compliance with clinical standards.
- Supervised nursing workflows, guided staff, and reinforced consistent bedside care practices.
Registered Nurse Quality Improvement Specialist
UC Irvine Health
08.2021 - 12.2021
- Facilitated TeamSTEPPS implementation across departments
- Educated all UC Irvine employees (clinical and non-clinical) on our culture of safety.
- Work together with physician champions on educating physicians and nurses on areas of improvement
- Work together with physician champions on educating physicians and nurses on areas of improvement
- Monitored and tracked data for core measures, including sepsis, to identify trends and support quality improvement initiatives
- Collected key information from patient charts for reporting
- Entered data into multiple databases for record-keeping
- Collaborated with physician champions to educate physicians and nurses on targeted areas for improvement in patient care
- Monitored data for Patient Safety Indicators (PSIs)
- TeamSTEPPS coordinator/lead
Registered Nurse
UCLA/CHOC in partnership with UC Irvine Health
04.2021 - 08.2021
- This was a temporary, voluntary assignment at the Long Beach Convention Center to help the unprecedented number of unaccompanied migrant children that were crossing the U.S. southern border.
- Many of these children presented with wounded and infected feet, lice, scabies, and cold-like symptoms, including Covid-19.
- Job duties included but were not limited to: performing a physical exam within 48 hours of arrival. Initial intake/registration to register individuals, determine immediate medical needs and basic care (shower, clothing, height, weight, vital signs, etc).
- Performed physical exams within 48 hours of arrival; conducted initial intake/registration to assess immediate medical needs and provide basic care, including hygiene, clothing, and vital signs.
- Provide more comprehensive history and physical in the first 48 hours and create a medical plan, with screening and vaccinations - Covid test, urine pregnancy test, Accu-Chek, providing medications as needed.
- Provided emotional support and facilitated family reunification or sponsorship within 14 days.
Registered Nurse
UC Irvine Health
02.2009 - 08.2021
- Labor and Delivery nurse on High Risk Labor and Delivery Unit at a prestigious teaching hospital with approximately 120 deliveries per month.
- Labor high risk pre-eclamptic, preterm, and diabetic patients.
- Circulate in the operating room for cesarean sections
- Recovery of cesarean section and vaginal deliveries.
- Educated patients on disease processes such as diabetes (including insulin pumps and drips), preeclampsia, preterm delivery, placenta previa, and placenta abruption, empowering them to manage their conditions during labor and after delivery.
- Work in 5 bed labor and delivery triage unit. Triage women with both obstetrical and non-obstetrical complaints, including cardiac, respiratory and GI workups and mental health crisis.
- Gained expertise in maternal transport to ensure effective patient care during transfers. Competent in ambulance and helicopter transports.
- Educate and assist patients with breastfeeding, newborn care, skin to skin bonding, perineal care for vaginal lacerations and wound care for cesarean sections incisions while working with postpartum unit.
- Precepted new hires and nursing students, enhancing their clinical skills and integration into the team.
- Participated in Medication Safety and Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative Breastfeeding Committees, contributing to improved patient safety and breastfeeding practices.
- Magnet Ambassador 2018. Attended meetings and trained staff for our Magnet re-designation.
- Relief charge RN in both postpartum and labor and delivery units. Responsible for up to 8-10 RNs and up to 26 patients.
- 2018 Perinatal Nurse of the Year.
- Received 3 nominations for 2020 Inpatient Nurse of the Year.
Registered Nurse
UC Irvine Health
07.2006 - 02.2009
- Pediatric Intensive Care Nurse in a prestigious 8-bed, level 1 trauma center
- Provided specialized care for children from newborn to 21 years in pediatric intensive care, ensuring tailored interventions for diverse needs.
- Cared for children ranging in ages of newborn to 21 years in pediatric intensive care setting.
- Initiated measures for emergency treatment of patients including infant resuscitation and pediatric advanced life support procedures.
- Monitored and managed life-saving interventions, including ventilators, arterial lines, and ventriculostomies.
- Administered infusion therapy, including IV fluids, antibiotics, vasopressors, and electrolyte replacement.
- Assessed and reported condition to appropriate medical staff.
- Interpret and evaluate diagnostic tests.
- Trained in critical care transport for pediatric patients necessitating higher level of care.
- Educated patients and families on disease processes, enhancing understanding and promoting informed decision-making.
- Delivered emotional and culturally sensitive support to patients and families, fostering trust and improving overall care experience.
- Provided support as relief charge nurse to ensure efficient operations and high-quality care.
Registered Nurse
Western Medical Center
07.2005 - 06.2006
- Pediatric Intensive Care Nurse in a prestigious 8-bed, level 1 trauma center
- Provided comprehensive care for pediatric patients aged newborn to 21 years in intensive care setting.
- Cared for children ranging in ages of newborn to 21 years in pediatric intensive care setting.
- Initiated measures for emergency treatment of patients including infant resuscitation and pediatric advanced life support procedures.
- Monitored and managed life-saving interventions, including ventilators, arterial lines, and ventriculostomies.
- Administered infusion therapy, including IV fluids, antibiotics, vasopressors, and electrolyte replacement.
- Interpret and evaluate diagnostic tests.
- Trained in critical care transport for pediatric patients necessitating higher level of care.
- Educated patients and families on various disease processes.
- Delivered emotional and culturally sensitive support to patients and families, fostering a supportive healing environment.
- Floated to step-down pediatric and neonatal intensive care units.
- Assumed charge nurse responsibilities to ensure effective patient management and team support.
Education
Master of Science - Nursing with Specialization in Forensic Nursing
Aspen University
Phoenix, Arizona, USA05-2026
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, Utah, USA04-2019
Associate of Science - Nursing
Santa Ana College
Santa Ana, California, USA05-2005
Skills
- Care coordination
- Resource management
- Vital signs documentation
- Infection control
- Medication administration
- Patient advocacy
- Patient safety
- Clinical judgment
Certification
Registered Nurse License | Valid Through 12/31/2026, Public Health Nurse | Valid Through 12/31/2026, Basic Life Support | Valid Through 05/2028, Advance Cardiac Life Support | Valid Through 10/2026, Neonatal Resuscitation Program | Valid Through 09/30/2028, Advanced Fetal Monitoring | Valid Through 01/2028, RNC-OB | Valid Through 08/2029
Languages
English – Fluent
Spanish – Fluent
Timeline
Clinical Nurse IV
UCI Health
01.2024 - Current
Interim Perinatal Assistant Nurse Manager
UC Irvine Health
01.2024 - 11.2025
Perinatal Assistant Nurse Manager
UCI Health
04.2023 - 01.2024
Interim Perinatal Assistant Nurse Manager
UC Irvine Health
11.2022 - 04.2023
Registered Nurse
UC Irvine Health
09.2022 - 11.2022
Registered Nurse
Kaiser Permanente
12.2021 - 09.2022
Registered Nurse Quality Improvement Specialist
UC Irvine Health
08.2021 - 12.2021
Registered Nurse
UCLA/CHOC in partnership with UC Irvine Health
04.2021 - 08.2021
Registered Nurse
UC Irvine Health
02.2009 - 08.2021
Registered Nurse
UC Irvine Health
07.2006 - 02.2009
Registered Nurse
Western Medical Center
07.2005 - 06.2006
Associate of Science - Nursing
Santa Ana College
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Western Governors University
Master of Science - Nursing with Specialization in Forensic Nursing
Aspen University