Melissa Havelka, RN

Melissa was taking case of a newborn with hyperbilirubinemia, which can cause brain damage if not monitored adequately. In the morning, Melissa worried that the bilirubin level was not decreasing, even with treatment. The physician was called, and Melissa expressed her concerns about the risks. The medical team was not concerned, but she advocated for the baby. She knew the parents were not going to be happy, but she continued to advocate for the baby and requested the baby be transferred to the NICU. Melissa believed the baby needed extra care. The baby's condition worsened, so she contacted a second medical team. The baby was transferred. It can be easy to advocate for an adult sometimes because they can talk. A baby depends so much on the knowledge of the nurse. That is why Melissa needs to be recognized. She was the baby's advocate!