Melisa Balcinovic, Rn, Bsn Email & Phone Number

•Managing an entire infusion suite alone. •Responsible for the safe administration of various therapeutic medications including chemotherapy agents while providing quality and compassionate care. •Provide patient assessment, inserting IV's and accessing medi-ports, caring and maintaining the patient's IV access, and patient education.•Effectively manage the care for adult and pediatric patients starting with an accurate assessment of the patient's condition prior to the administration of any therapy per policy and physicians' orders.•Evaluate patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.•Provide necessary education for patients before the administration of any treatment and provide teach-back methods with medication administration for patients and caregivers with therapies continued at home via in-person, virtual, and telephone conversations. •Document treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.•Quickly respond to situations impacting the safety and security of the patient, nurse, and environment to prevent, control, and de-escalate situations.•Convey treatment options and home care techniques to patients and caregivers to continue care consistency.•Conduct ongoing monitoring and evaluations of behaviors and conditions, and updated clinical supervisors with current information.•Monitor patient reactions after administering medications and IV therapies.•Communicate with healthcare team members to plan, implement, and enhance treatment strategies.•Manage the assessment documentation of the patient's continuous home infusion(s).•Train new employees on policies, infusion nurse skills, medication administration per policy and recommendations, patient documentation and requirements, and stocking.

•Performed blood draws for a nationwide study•Collect two tubes for DNA and RNA analysis•Check and process MCC2: Plasma, buffy coat, and paxgene collection according to protocol•Assess, assist, and train with any lab needs

•Administered close patient care on medical surgical and surgical intensive care units, checked vital signs and monitored telemetry. •Worked alongside experienced nursing professionals to learn new procedures. •Assisted patients with personal hygiene requirements and monitored conditions to update nursing staff. •Set up appropriate IV lines and transducers and maintained appropriate central and arterial line changes based on policy. •Performed arterial, capillary, and venipuncture sticks for glucose monitoring, ICU labs, and arterial blood gas analyses and removal of lines when needed. •Administered medications via oral, IV, intramuscular injections, and soap enemas and monitored responses. •Mixed dry antibiotic medications with saline and titrated opioid medication. •Assessed IV, PICC line, and wound dressings, performed antimicrobial and transparent IV dressings changes, and performed wound dressing changes and measurements based on policy requirements and when appropriate. •Performed tracheostomy care, trach suctioning, airway management, bathing, and peri care. •Performed nasogastric and foley catheter insertions and removal. Performed and transported patients for non-invasive procedures like 12-lead EKG monitoring, CT scans, echocardiograms, and cardioversions.•Observed how to change CRRT lines and how to adjust step-by-step CRRT machine settings based on intake and output. •Recorded ICPs, arterial pressures, and bladder pressures and set up the transducers for monitoring. •Identified nutritional deficiencies and coordinated with personnel to solve nutrition problems. •Provided and documented assessments into EMR systems, created necessary care plans based on patient needs, and performed patient education. •Ambulated and assisted patients before and after procedures.

•Record hourly intake and output from IVs, NGs, drains, chest tubes, and stool and calculate I/Os hourly, every 8 hours, and every 24 hours•Monitor vital signs and note any significant changes to the assigned nurse•Assist with tracheostomy care, trach suctioning, bathing, sterile dressing changes, and foley catheter insertions. •Perform neuro checks as needed•Record ICP, draining EVDs, zeroing EVDs, and set up the transducer for the EVD•Set up appropriate IV lines, and transducers, maintain appropriate central and arterial lines changes based on policy, and identify correct tubes for ICU labs.•Set up rooms for new admissions.

•Performed blood draws and accessed chemo ports for blood specimens •Chose appropriate specimen collecting tubes for specific blood tests •Spun specimens, labeled tubes, and made orders that were sent to laboratories for analysis •Ran specimens through the CBC and chemistry machines •Extra tasks included assessing patient vitals before doctor consultations and/or chemotherapy sessions •Maintained a sterile and clean work environment, especially on the supply carts

•Performed blood draws for a nationwide study•Collected four tubes from each participant: EDTA, PAXgene DNA, 2 PAXgene RNA•Organized and sterilized area before participants arrive and organized my own basket to provide a quick and efficient blood draw

•Over 600 blood draws for laboratory tests like CBC, serum, PT, aPTT, drug screens, QuantiFERON, cultures, etc.•Organized and sterilized cart for blood draws before and after shift•Logged and confirmed patient information on personal digital assistant devices (PDA)•Properly handled specimens according to hospital guidelines and delivered them to the laboratory in a timely manner•Areas of experience include ICU, Cardiac Unit, Med-Surg Unit, Geriatrics, Oncology, and others

•Recruited students for study with a focus on at-risk middle and high school students•Worked on projects with participants that involved frequent group work activities. These projects included painting ceiling boards, decorating libraries, and creating décor for a school dance organized by the students•Goals: created positive environments for participants, informed participants about dating/sexual violence, encouraged healthy relationships and helped participants be the voice for change in their schools

•Administered bedside and provided personal hygiene assistance •Prepared and maintained records of her progress and services performed•Reported changes in conditions to health care providers•Performed housekeeping duties, such as cooking, cleaning, washing clothes and dishes, and running errands o Assisted in planning, shopping for, and preparing nutritious meals•Monitored vital signs including blood pressure, glucose levels, and weight.•Provided assistance with translating from Bosnia to English and vice versa •Explained physician instructions and followed care-plans accordingly

•Analyzed monthly balance sheet accounts for corporate reporting •Organized datasheets, insurance policies, company contracts, truck costs, and records of loan confirmations•Managed sales team including setting goals, providing incentives, and evaluating employee performances •Set goals and deadlines for the Department•Installed bookkeeping systems

Nursing Studies, Senior

Bachelor Of Science - Bs, Public Health

Minor, Health/Medical Psychology