During a usual busy night shift, we received a patient with mental health crisis. For Hippa reasons we will name this Pt Beta. One of the triggers for Beta's crisis was that not one person said Happy Birthday, not his friends not even his own mother. Nobody celebrated Beta's special day, so they decided to cope with unhealthy habits.

Melanie brought this to my attention as she assigned me to this patient. You could tell that she was very sympathetic to this patient's issue. After the MD's exam and after I had completed the orders. I was called by Melanie to participate. Present staff including registration, security, and housekeeping all gathered at Beta's room and she presented him with 2 cupcakes with a birthday candle while she played celebratory Mexican music and staff sang Happy Birthday. You could see immediately how powerful this compassionate gesture positively impacted Beta. As small tears of happiness rolled down Beta's face, they expressed gratitude to the staff and hugs were given and pats on the back.

Later after eating his cake, he expressed to me that what we did really touched his heart. They slept peacefully the rest of the shift. So, I wanted to let everyone know how caring and compassionate Melanie is and it shows every shift I work with her. She is a working machine but with a heart of gold and this ER is very lucky to have her. My hope is that others are touched by this story to spread hope and healing to our patients. Thank you!