... a homeless patient was picked up in the street in front of the convention center by EMS. She was all muddy, under influence of an unknown drug, and screaming every few minutes without interacting with the nurse. Melissa, her nurse in Labor & Delivery, was very calm and kept telling her that she was there to help her, and was calming her down with her soft voice. Patient screamed: "I'm sh***ing myself". Melissa responded softly, "It is okay, I will clean you; I'm here to help you". A 22 year-old woman with nobody around, first baby, scared to death and in labor under influence. She had all kinds of body fluids all over herself, requested Melissa to give her a hug. Melissa leaned over her bed and gave her a hug. A true picture of human care.

Patient was taken for an emergency cesarean. Melissa was by her side during the operation and after in recovery. Every time the patient requested a hug, Melissa leaned over and gave her a hug. I'm writing this because I know that if the patient was educated, she would have done it. She appreciated Melissa and her care so much that once more sober, she came for a visit. Upon seeing Melissa she had the biggest, sweetest smile. It is nice to see how nurses are compassionate and caring regardless of the patient's social status.

Melissa is a traveling nurse and I hope she stays with us forever.