Melissa Duncan 2026, RN

Melissa stayed late one Friday evening to ensure a patient of hers was sent home with the correct medications, properly functioning equipment, and safe transportation. However, at quitting time, Melissa was informed that her patient’s oxygen tank was running low during transport, and there was no way to get a replacement tank before the DME store closed. Melissa grabbed her keys, laced up her tennis shoes, and, in her finest Arnold Schwarzenegger voice, said, “I’ll be back!” and sprang into action.

Heading due north to the DME store, she quickly found out the oxygen tank was malfunctioning, and she knew her patient only had a few minutes' worth of oxygen before the tank would run dry. Without hesitation, she pulled out her handy-dandy tool belt to assess the situation right there in the parking lot.

Melissa showed true dedication and was able to ensure the patient had a properly functioning oxygen tank and correct medications, all while providing reassurance that everything was going to be okay. The patient rode off into the sunset on the Deaconess van with lungs full of air and peace in his heart. Not all superheroes wear capes!