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Conversations with the Inspiring Melissa Cardine

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Cardine.

Melissa, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I have been a nurse for over 20 years. I received my Bachelor of Nursing in 1997 and my Masters in Nursing in 2002. My passion is listening to patients, families, and caregivers. I have done that at every turn in a nursing career that spans complex home health care services, hospital nursing, to opening a nationally recognized outpatient treatment center.

I believe healing accelerates when patients and health care providers connect and build a common understanding of symptoms and goals. I know this process is most effective when both sides of the healing dialog are informed about a comprehensive picture of a person’s situation. Unfortunately, the current health care system limits the ability of the patient and their health care providers to achieve this with regularity.

As a nurse, I’ve seen how limited the time is that health care providers can devote to each patient. We don’t always have time to listen. Listen to who you are, what you have experienced, what your needs are, and what goals you have. We are focused on an acute situation. The here and now. I’ve watched the national model for delivering health care services become so narrowly focused that treatments are only for specific symptoms or ailments, but not for a person’s complete health. I want to help stem the tide. During my Master’s program, I developed a Geriatric Care Management program. I envisioned helping elderly people and their families navigate the health care system. I envisioned empowering people to be their own or their loved one’s best advocate. Instead of pursuing that immediately, I continued in my nursing career and built a family. I am a wife and mother of three wonderful children living in Gilbert, Arizona. The additional decade has been one of personal and professional growth, but my passion for listening to patient stories is still the same as the day I first became a nurse.

In October 2015, that passion and the ideas I developed in my Master’s program, turned into action. I enrolled in the Independent RN Patient Advocate program through the University of Arizona and started The Bridge RN Patient Advocates. It was time to share with others how they too can manage their own health. It was time to listen and educate clients on how to ask questions, understand and research their options, look at the big picture, and discover the root cause of their ailments whether physical, emotional or spiritual.

The vision of The Bridge RN Patient Advocates is “Bridging the gaps from diagnosis to healing through personalized, holistic, RN advocacy.” The Bridge is here to help you go from being diagnosed or labeled with a disease to finding your own defined place of healing.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has been a smooth road. My biggest struggles are trying to do it all. My advice take it day by day. Wake up early, work smart, have fun.

What should we know about The Bridge RN Patient Advocates? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I am most proud of all the people I have served. You can read some of my reviews on my website and Google. Our previous and current clients are always willing to talk to those interested in our services. I’m proud that our services are highly regarded by our clients, caregivers, and medical professionals. I think what sets me apart from others is just who I am. I am very passionate about helping and making human connections. People enjoy working with me and appreciate how I interact with them, their family, and other health care providers. My approach is calm, I listen, ask questions, truly try to understand the situation, and I show respect to all involved parties. Integrity is at the core of our practice.

Below is a list of services The Bridge RN Patient Advocates offers:

90-Minute Initial Consultation to Determine RN Patient Advocacy Services
 Complete comprehensive health history
 Identify concerns
 Establish goals
 Discuss next steps
 Explore current relationship status with a physician(s) or other healthcare professionals

On-Going RN Patient Advocacy Services
 Develop customized care plan to address identified areas of concern
 Educate client, family, care providers
 An in-depth review of medications, interactions, nutrient-blocking effects, contraindications
 Review medical records
 Create a medical timeline
 Nutritional needs
 Facilitate communication among health care providers
 Speak with health care providers and relatives on your behalf
 Attend physician appointments
 Advocate on your behalf or a loved one’s behalf in the hospital setting
 Explore therapeutic modalities
 Research and present treatment options
 Informed decision-making process
 Selecting and vetting best health care team
 Provide referrals for services
 Establish a big picture
 Family dynamics
 Help reduce medical costs

Enrichment RN Patient Advocacy Services
 Explore the root cause of disease processes – physical, emotional, or spiritual
 Collaborate with clinicians in the field

Areas of Focus are:
 Inflammation
 Stress
 Poor Diet
 Toxins
 Lack of sleep
 Poor relationships
 Nutrient Deficiencies
 Lack of exercise
 Toxic thoughts
 Trauma
 Genetics
 Poor digestion

90-Minute Consultation for Advanced Care Planning
 Initiate, prepare, and educate on
 Choosing a medical surrogate
 The kind of medical treatment you want
 Discuss end of life care
 How to communicate your wishes
 Assist in preparation of documents and other needed communication – additional fees may apply

Comprehensive Medication Review
 A complete review of all medications and supplements
 Drug interactions and side effects explained in detail
 Understanding the impact of side effects and warning on your medications specific to you and your health issues
 Knowing the risk/benefit of your medication in detail
 Learn when it might be appropriate to ask your doctor for medication alternatives
 Learn about nutrient blockers, food interactions specific to your medications and supplements
 Knowledge and guidance on which websites to access for the most qualified, scientific and current information on medication and supplements

What do you feel are the biggest barriers today to female leadership, in your industry or generally?
I really don’t think there are any barriers. If you want to be a leader, you can be a leader.

Contact Info:

Image Credit:
Carrie Gabaldon

Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.

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