Melissa Stephen

Accomplished Nursing Leader with 20+ years of experience in pediatric healthcare and a robust background in clinical simulation and instruction. Proven track record in high-stakes leadership, including nine years as a Charge Nurse managing multidisciplinary teams and unit operations. Adept in simulation-based education, curriculum design, and resuscitation protocols (AHA BLS Instructor |ACLS/PALS Provider).

Currently finishing an MSN in Nursing Leadership & Management to lead strategic operations, financial forecasting, and interprofessional programs at Akron Children's Hospital.

Respiratory Protection Program Coordinator - Akron Children's Hospital - Akron, OH

(2016-02)

• Develop and manage hospital-wide safety initiatives from the ground up, ensuring 100% compliance with OSHA and CDC standards.
• Manage program budgets, monitor expenditures, and optimize resource utilization for maximum impact.
• Negotiate vendor contracts and serve as a liaison between internal departments to align safety goals with organizational strategic initiatives.
• Utilized Lean Six Sigma (A3) methodology to redesign workflows, resulting in a 32% improvement in compliance within 90 days.

Simulation Center Facilitator - Akron Children's Hospital - Akron, OH

(2007-04)

• Provide clinical instruction and facilitate high-fidelity simulation debriefings for interprofessional staff and students.
• Troubleshoot simulator hardware/software issues and maintain secure data repositories for educational outcomes.
• Analyze simulation data to identify clinical gaps and contribute innovative ideas for new simulation-based solutions.

Charge Nurse, SCVICU - Summa Health System - Akron Campus - Akron, OH

(2005-07 - 2015-07)

• Led a multidisciplinary team for nine years, supervising LPNs, STNAs, and nursing staff to ensure safe, high-quality care across all shifts.
• Optimized daily staffing levels and patient assignments based on acuity, skill mix, and unit availability.
• Served as the primary clinical resource and team leader during critical resuscitations (Code Blue) and rapid response events.

Clinical Instructor - Stark State College - North Canton, OH

(2009-09 - 2019-05)

• Managed clinical rotations for nursing students, providing real-time coaching, performance feedback, and competency evaluations.
• Bridged theoretical classroom concepts with clinical practice to ensure student readiness and patient safety.

Master of Science in Nursing - Nursing Leadership & Management - Kent State University (2026-05)

Bachelor of Science in Nursing - University of Akron (2002-05)