Melissa Collins, RN

My husband had a cardiac catheterization. We traveled from Lake Havasu City, never anticipating an Emergency Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery, which was necessary. My husband had the BEST medical Team. Being a kidney transplant patient, we were very anxious and rightfully concerned with his condition. Now, the most impressive idea that I want to convey and recognize is the attention and communication that was provided to ‘me’, the spouse, the CVICU Nurse who had to juggle being a wife, nurse, caretaker, and advocate. You try so hard to keep it together, stay strong, stay calm, and stay in your lane. Melissa treated me as a peer. We discussed my concerns like we were friends. She reinforced information and was kind and understanding. It’s extremely difficult to divide yourself as a ‘Wife/Nurse.’ I needed a person like Melissa to temper me and guide me in a gentle, transparent, non-judgemental manner. Never, at Abrazo Heart, did anyone, anywhere, dismiss my concerns. Melissa, you will never know how very much you helped me cope with this unexpected major event with the man I love so much. You helped me stay sane, and I will forever be full of gratitude and thankfulness for having you by my side.