Melinda Russell is an outstanding clinician but also a compassionate soul who goes above and beyond to care for others. An example of her incredible compassion was recently demonstrated when she floated to the ED to sit with an 11-year-old boy. This young man was dropped off by his mother and essentially abandoned in the ED due to emotional issues in the home. While Melinda was assigned to sit with this young man, she spent several hours talking to him rather than sitting outside the door of his room to prevent him from self-harming.

She learned a lot about him including how smart he was and his love of multiplying 3-digit numbers. She also learned he loved tractor-trailers. His father was a trucker and recently passed away, leaving many emotional scars in this young man. Melinda also spent time and talked with him about his favorite movies, games, and things he loved. She also realized he was left in the ED with no clothes, undergarments, toys, books, or other diversion items for an 11-year-old.

So, Melinda, after her shift, went to Walmart and purchased a ton of stuff: a fuzzy blanket, a soft game control shaped stuffie, pull-on athletic pants, t-shirts, socks, and underwear. She also bought him books and items to keep him occupied until he could be helped. The best gift was a big red tractor-trailer toy that made the boy light up when he saw it. Melinda is more than worthy of the DAISY Award and embodies nursing excellence.