The theatrics of the operating suite to promote positive patient outcomes to the best of our ability is dependent on the OR Circulating RN (Surgical Nurse). An Operating Room nurse usually does not receive patient recognition for the exceptional care they received during their invasive procedures. In the operating room suite, patients might remember the kind voices, the warm sheets provided, and someone standing by their side when they slowly drift off to the anesthetic medications. Patients and family are unaware of the operating room RN's role to ensure all precautions are taken to perform a quality, uneventful surgical procedure.

A surgical nurses' responsibilities include pre-op checklists and verifying consents to ensure right patient, right procedure, right laterality; evaluating medication and health history to promote no adverse outcomes, positioning care to promote skin turgor; analyzing sterile technique and surgical fields to reduce infection, addressing intra-operative needs with anesthesia, surgeons, surgical technologists in a timely and efficient manner to reduce the potential complications. Despite all the safety checks and tasks, Melissa's selfless effort comforts anxious patients and their support systems. Her charisma with patient interaction conveys a genuine sense of support. A "we will get through this together" tone that establishes a trust of care when patients are at their most vulnerable. I remember her speaking with an overly anxious wife in the preoperative area. Melissa devoted her full attention to consoling the elderly lady about her husbands major surgery.

After a lengthy conversation, Melissa fostered feelings of trust, peace, and reassurance about her husbands health needs. Her teammates, Operating Room Facilitators, Operating Room Specialty nurses, and managers can attest to Melissa's unwavering willingness to comfort, support, and serve in any capacity...with the spirit of true positivity, flexibility, and without giving a second thought to act. She recognizes the needs of the patient, the staff, the unit, and the organization. There are too many occasions to list when Melissa has supported her team without direction from leaders. You will always find her in her "free" moments going from OR room to OR room eagerly seeking opportunities to lend her assistance. There have been numerous instances Melissa volunteered immediate help with critical staffing needs. She volunteers to stay over her 12-hour regular shift to cover surgical patient care. Melissa also signed a 4-week contract to provide night shift coverage for trauma services.

Melissa, offering to work nights, helped sustain operating room patient care availability 24-7. Operating room coverage 24- 7 patient access is a requirement for credentialing NHRMC as a Level 2 trauma center. During the pandemic, Melissa was sent to support and assist in the Emergency Room. She was "out of her comfort zone working in a new department". Melissa offered to go back anytime because she was genuinely concerned about the nurses. She never once complained because she recognized the positive impact she could have on an overstretched unit. A new surgical technician was ending her night shift. She was tearful with feelings of despair. She stated she was involved with an organ donor case. She was expressing her grief about the patient's loss of life and the emotions associated with organ procurement. Melissa was walking by, noted her teammate emotionally struggling. Melissa listened, reassured, encouraged, and supported her without a judgmental tone. Melissa shared her past experiences and how she copied with heart-break surgical cases. Melissa stayed by her side until our teammate was ready to leave. She signifies strength, inspiration, and compassion daily... and always with a heartwarming smile.