North Daviess grad Melanie Nolting recognized as ‘leader on the rise’ by Missouri Organization of Nurse Leaders

Melanie Nolting was recently recognized by the Missouri Organization of Nurse Leaders (MONL). She currently serves as Director of Clinical Operations at North Kansas City Hospital. When nominated for the award she was acting as interim director for ICU.
Melanie graduated from North Daviess R-3 High School, Missouri Western, and Graceland School of Nursing. She is the daughter of Steve and Elaine Bohannon, Jameson, and Tracy VanBelkum, St. Joseph. Melanie and her husband Scott live in Kansas City with their two daughters.
Melanie’s first nursing job started February 2009 working as an R.N. on 8HSP Medical/Surgical unit at North Kansas City Hospital and she’s been at the hospital ever since.
She said most people don’t know that she is a cancer survivor. She had thyroid cancer at the age of 16 which included two surgeries and radiation. That was probably her first glimpse into the medical field.
Melanie’s best advice to aspiring leaders is to never be afraid to take a chance; every leader had a “first day.” Foster relationships and learn all you can from leaders who you see as great.
“Sometimes it’s still challenging having those crucial conversations,” says Melanie, when asked to describe her biggest challenge as a nurse leader. “No one enjoys confrontation, but learning from each encounter helps those future conversations go even smoother.”
“Melanie is a leader on the rise,” said Michelle Lane, a MONL board member. “She splits her time as a bedside neuro/trauma ICU nurse and the director of Clinical Operations for the hospital. She was selected to serve as the interim director of the neuro/trauma ICU and STAT team while the current leader is on leave of absence. She has not just gotten on base; the girl has hit a home run and we couldn’t be more proud of her autonomy, initiative, communication skills, clinical knowledge and ability to coach others. Amazing leader!”
The Missouri Organization of Nurse Leaders was established in 1979 to provide its members with educational and networking opportunities designed to encourage the advancement of effective leadership in nursing. Membership is open to all registered nurses in Missouri who are in leadership positions.