Melanie admitted a particularly tough and emotional level 1 trauma patient with a very poor prognosis. This patient was loved by his family and friends, whom upon hearing of the severity of his injuries, were left distraught and emotional. Melanie took on not only the role of nurse for this family but comforter, listener, educator and so much more. Most upset was the patient's mother who was with him during his traumatic event. Melanie listened to the mother express her fears and grief. She provided her comfort and reassurance despite the numerous nursing tasks that were constantly requiring Melanie's attention. Melanie recalled the mother constantly referring to her son as her "shining star". Having formed a connection with the mother, Melanie decided to purchase the mother a star in the sky to remember and honor her son.
Melanie is a nurse who always gives her all to her patients and coworkers, without ever expecting anything in return. Seeing Melanie be so strong and selfless for this family made not only myself but all of her coworkers proud and touched to see such pure compassion. The family mentioned Melanie and the staff at Mercy Hospital St Louis in their son's obituary for honoring his life and sharing his light through organ donation. His is the brightest of all stars in the Bootes Constellation.