Melynda Ruckels

RN MSN PHN MSMCT
Melynda Ruckels RN MSN Patient Advocate
Melynda
legacy member

Melynda Ruckels

RN MSN PHN MSMCT
Melynda Ruckels RN MSN Patient Advocate
Advocate Location
Grass Valley , CA 95945
Specialty
Medical Guidance
Other Services
Wellness & Lifestyle
TeleAdvocacy Available
Offers FREE Initial Consultation
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*Greater National Advocates Terms of Use Apply
How I Can Help
I believe that everyone needs someone to advocate for them during times of stress and illness. Being sick can contribute to personal and family stress, and results in unclear thinking and decision-making. As an RN Patient Advocate I am with you and your family during this difficult time to educate you, protect your healthcare rights and safety. I have been a nurse for over 45 years; I understand healthcare, I speak the language and I know the system very well. This is what I will do for you:

• Advocate on your behalf with your doctors and hospitals, asking those questions most people do not know how to ask.

• Educate you on what is happening with your condition/diagnosis and what other therapeutic options might be helpful to you. Accurate diagnosis ensures that all necessary tests are ordered and not unnecessarily repeated creating more cost.

• Attend doctor's appointments with you, if you wish. Connect the dots ensuring communication between all your doctors.

• I will evaluate your medications, supplements and vitamins for safety, interactions and any side effects (medication reconciliation).

• Analyze ALL your medical records to create a chronology of your complete history. This is very helpful in connecting the dots between doctors when you go to the ER or when you travel. Research all of your treatment options, educating you and your family, ensuring that you consult with the most appropriate doctors, so you make the best choices for your health.

• Most importantly, I will spend time with you to meet your healthcare needs. I work as much, or as little as you want me to.
Important Information About Me
  • I offer a FREE Initial Consultation
  • I offer TeleAdvocacy Service
  • I am insured
  • My geographical area of practice is California: Sacramento, Grass Valley, Nevada City, Roseville, Davis, North Lake Tahoe
Why I Became A Professional Health Care Advocate
I am an RN Patient Advocate because I have seen how helpless, scared and needy we become when we get sick. I see families struggle and stumble, and be intimidated by healthcare professionals. I am an RN Patient Advocate because patients need information and education on making healthcare and life decisions such as chemotherapy, surgery, medications and other treatments. Being a nurse for over 45 years has given me the tools, knowledge and experience to easily navigate our healthcare system. I speak the medical language, I am comfortable in being part of the healthcare team whether in the hospital, the doctors office or at diagnostic testing. I am comfortable consulting with physicians and nurses and others on the healthcare team. I acted as my father's advocate when he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. I prevented him from being medicated into a zombie state. He was able to enjoy his later years in a beautiful memory care unit where I made sure he was well cared for. I acted as my husband's advocate, and stayed overnight in the hospital room with him, when he had back surgery. I acted as my daughter’s patient advocate when the Emergency Department physician wanted to discharge her too early. I addressed the physician and stated why she was not eligible for discharge due to continued blood loss. The physician listened to me and admitted her into the hospital. I became my own advocate when I had an emergency appendectomy, became septic and had half of my colon removed. My goal is to empower you to become your own advocate.
Contact Advocate
Formal Education
Master of Science Medical Cannabis Therapeutics

Chamberlain University, Master of Science Nursing Education 2010

Holy Names University, Bachelor of Science Nursing 1998

Holy Names University Public Health Nurse Certificate (PHN) 1998

California State University Fullerton, CA Human Services Counseling Courses

Pasadena City College, Associate Degree Nursing (RN) 1978
Additional Skills
Nursing Professor Pre-licensure RN Programs

Cannabis Nurse Educator

Mentor and Wellness Coach

Cardiology/Cardiac Rehab

Thyroid Hashimoto's

Cultural and Indigenous knowledge and experience

Integrative/functional medicine

Nutrition

Herbal Medicine

Aromatherapy

Craniosacral Therapy

Hypnotherapy

Reiki
Professional Affiliations
Certificate: Independent RN Patient Advocate (iRNPA)

Board of Directors National Association Healthcare Advocate Consultants 2018-2020

Certified Emergency Nurse (inactive)

Certificate: Nursing Care of the Older Adult

Certificate: Memory Impairment Program

Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society of Nursing

Member American Holistic Nurses' Association (AHNA) Co-founder AHNA Sacramento Chapter

Member American Cannabis Nurses Association (ACNA)

Board of Directors California Society for Cardiac Rehabilitation 1989 - 1997

President Southern CA region California Society for Cardiac Rehabilitation 1989-1991

AWARDS

Pacesetter Award Carrington College California exemplifying TEACH values.

Graduated with Honors MSN Program Chamberlain College of Nursing.

Awarded Initiative/Community Involvement and Professional Activities by Kaiser Foundation Healthcare/The Permanente Medical Group Nursing Departments for the research project involving RN facilitated exercise tolerance testing.

Presentations:

Speaker: California Healthcare Workforce Initiative Jan. 2018

2015- present Patient Advocate Community Education Presentations

2014 Adjunct Faculty Representative to Nursing Advisory Committee for American River College

Volunteer Activities:

Community Blood Pressure Program Bret Harte Inn, Grass Valley CA 2014-present

Advisor/instructor to Traditional Healers, Albuquerque, New Mexico 2006-present

Healing Hands Healing Hearts Board of Directors 2004-2008

Mentor: The Friendship Club Grass Valley, CA