We had a critically ill patient come into the ED with paperwork indicating he wanted comfort measures only. Melissa was leaving work for the day but took the time to contact his nursing home and discovered he had no remaining living friends or family to come to his bedside. Rather than going home after a long shift, she stayed at the patient's bedside, holding his hand, playing him Johnny Cash on her phone, and providing general comfort in his final hours of life.

I think this really speaks to the type of person and quality of nurse Melissa is. It really brought tears to my eyes and the eyes of other care team members that day. I'd like to recognize Melissa for this act of service and selflessness, and for inspiring the rest of us to provide excellent, compassionate care in all we do.