Dr. Mychell Zepeda, DNP, RN, PCCN

Experience

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  Methodist College of Unity Point Health

  Jan 2010 - Jan 2014

  Adjunct Faculty

  Evaluated student progress, and maintained records of student clinical experiences. Conducted and supervised laboratory work, and issued research assignments. Evaluated and graded students’ course work as well as advised students on academic and vocational curricula, and on career issues. Selected and obtained course materials and supplies such as textbook and laboratory equipment.

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  UnityPoint Health

  Jan 2010 - Aug 2016

  Provided family-centered, evidence-based, comprehensive, quality-nursing care to patients and their families along the continuum of critical care. Maintained keen assessment and critical thinking skills accompanied with effective communication with healthcare teams concerning patients that required a high intensity of nursing care and/or a high level of surveillance. Monitored progressive patients receiving complex medications that required titration based on the vital signs. Continuous monitoring of pre and post surgical patients with varied diagnoses. Show less Led 35 staff with the day-to-day functions of the department, including operational problem-solving, scheduling, and staff performance and evaluation. Directed and assisted licensed and ancillary team members to coordinate delivery of patient plan of care, demonstrating professional responsibility and accountability for own practice and supporting the department's philosophy of nursing. Mentored and coached nursing staff. Focused on patient satisfaction. Mentored new nurses. Cross trained in progressive care, cardiac ICU, Medical ICU, Pulmonary care.• Streamlined departmental operations, resulting in boosting efficiency over a span of nine years.• Enhanced patient care quality and safety by implementing evidence-based practices. Show less

  • Cardiac Progressive Care Nurse

    Jul 2007 - Aug 2016

  • Lead Nurse-Cardiac Surgical

    Jan 2010 - Jan 2016
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  Bradley University

  Sept 2010 - Sept 2016

  CLINICAL INSTRUCTOR - Adjunct Faculty

  Demonstrated and taught patient care in the clinical setting to nursing students and instructed students in principles and application of physical, biological, and psychological subjects related to nursing. Supervised student nurse’s ability to demonstrate patient care in varied clinical settings throughout the hospital. Cooperated with medical and nursing personnel in evaluating and improving teaching and nursing practices that incorporated research.

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  OSF St. Mary Medical Center

  Jun 2016 - Dec 2019

  Administrative Supervisor - Nursing

  Promoted the mission, vision, and values of the organization while nurturing collaborative relationships among interdepartmental staff and management. Additionally, assisted in policy planning, staff, and financial resource management. Mentored and coached 100 Staff. Introduced a comfort care cart for patients and aroma therapy as a medication alternative, that has been adopted at other hospitals within the unit.• Achieved a reduction in administrative inefficiencies through process improvements.• Improved workflow efficiency and patient outcomes by developing and implementing a patient care delivery system.• Decreased turnover rates by 20% through mentoring and coaching nursing staff.• Reduced adverse events by leading initiatives to improve patient safety protocols. Show less

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  Barnes-Jewish Hospital

  Sept 2022 - now

  Steer nursing operations by initiating, coordinating, and enforcing program, operational, and personnel policies and procedures. Furthermore, achieved financial objectives by preparing budgets, analyzing variances, and initiating corrective actions. Hire, onboard, mentor, train, and lead 40 staff.• Realized a reduction in operational expenditures while maintaining high-quality patient care standards.• Improved employee satisfaction scores through coaching and counseling initiatives.• Optimized resource allocation in the department, resulting in a decrease in supply costs.• Enhanced patient outcomes and satisfaction ratings through the adoption of evidence-based practices.• Advanced adherence to best practices and protocols through the development and implementation of training programs that addressed department issues.• Decreased downtime in employee integration by developing and managing professional hiring and orientation using training and educational materials tailored to various operative roles, learning levels, and goals.• Safeguarded patients by encouraging a cross-functional and collaborative culture constantly tracking acute changes in patients' medical conditions within the unit.• Spearheaded the addition of a new FTE title to provide nursing support post pandemic.• Decreased CAUTI and CLABSI down to zero for the last two years.• Reduced falls from double digits to single digits. Show less

  • Acute Care Clinical Nurse Manager - Leadership

    Dec 2019 - now

  • Nurse Research Fellow

    Sept 2022 - Oct 2023
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  US Army Reserves

  Jan 2023 - now

  Army Company Commander

  Responsible for maintaining the combat readiness, health, welfare, morale, and discipline of over 195 Soldiers, prioritized unit resources to ensure operational readiness for wartime, contingency, and peacetime operations. Additionally, enforced Army standards, established policies and procedures, and prepared subordinates for increased responsibility through counseling, training, and mentoring.• Achieved an increase in overall unit readiness metrics within one year by implementing rigorous training programs.• Successfully reduced disciplinary incidents through proactive leadership initiatives, enhancing unit morale.• Strengthened mission effectiveness by spearheading multiple joint training exercises with allied forces.• Increased Soldier participation in military schools and leadership programs by fostering a culture of professional development. Show less