Melissa Byars, MSN, RNC-EFM, C-ONQS, CNML

Education: BSN, Rockford University, MSN, Executive Leadership, Saint Xavier University

Clinical experience: 15 years at Rockford Memorial/Javon Bea Hospital, including 2 years as a Student Nurse Intern and 13 years in Labor & Delivery/High Risk Perinatal. One year (PRN) in Pediatric Ambulatory Clinic at University of Illinois College of Medicine – Rockford. Four years at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital-Madison as Birth Suites Manager and Administrative Supervisor. I have been in my current position, Nursing Quality & Safety Nursing Program Specialist at UW Health – WI, since 2024.

Scholarly interests: Early detection of hospital acquired pressure injuries in patients with darkly pigmented skin, increasing health equity across the care continuum with particular focus in obstetrical, pediatric, and behavioral health populations, reducing maternal morbidity and mortality in BIPOC birthing people, Trauma Informed Care, Empowering Direct-Care Nurses Through Shared Governance, Application of a systems lens to operational leadership.

Advanced practice goals: Influencing health policy via non-partisan advocacy, increasing health equity across the care continuum, teaching, revolution of hospital operations to mitigate contemporary challenges such as workforce shortages, decreased reimbursement, and a volatile legislative climate. Some of my clinical interests include: hospital acquired condition (HAC) prevention and reduction, obstetrical emergencies, perinatal regionalization, quality improvement, evidence-based practice.