Melissa Babajko
July 2021
Melissa
Babajko
,
RN
Staffing Resources
WakeMed Health & Hospitals
Raleigh
,
NC
United States
Melissa listened to every fear, encouraged me when I was discouraged, helped me laugh when I was devastated.
I came in to have a surgery that I was planning to go home that day, however, sadly after surgery in the PACU I was found to have left-sided weakness and was admitted to the neuro floor. Prior to my surgery, I was a full-time working Mom of four living a very busy full independent life. To go from full independence to needing help moving in bed, getting washed, eating, dressing, using the bathroom is an incredibly humbling and overwhelming experience. I was so incredibly blessed to have one of the most amazing nurses caring for me. Melissa listened to every fear, encouraged me when I was discouraged, helped me laugh when I was devastated. She cared about me as a person, I wasn't just a patient, I was someone whom she truly wanted to help make better. I had struggled with something all day but the issue wasn't resolved. As soon as Melissa came on shift, she immediately called the doctor and made my concern a top priority. Every question, every fear, everything was dealt with when Melissa was on. She helped me emotionally, physically, and mentally. As a nurse myself, I have always strived to be the kindest, most compassionate person to my patients and their families. Being in such a vulnerable, helpless state made me realize how important that kind, gentle, helping hand is. Melissa has an incredible gift of kindness, compassion, encouragement, and joy. She was literally sunshine in the middle of the biggest storm in my life. I know that she must make a difference in people's lives every day. She truly is what everyone should strive to be…thank you, Melissa. I will be forever grateful for your kindness during the most devastating period of my life.