Melissa had the long, daunting task of developing/preparing the one & only medical-surgical unit for the new Baptist Clay campus. She welcomed her team with open arms when we arrived for orientation at the end of November 2022, and from that day on, she has been so high-spirited, enthusiastic, compassionate & a true leader (& cheerleader) for her team & the Baptist Clay family. She makes sure we are following policy, and if there isn't a policy for something, she works hard to get one in place so that we are providing the best care for our patients. She follows up on any issues brought to her attention in a timely manner & treats everyone with respect & fairness. Even though her position requires a lot of her, she still finds the time to chat with each & every one of us on her team, to make sure we are all doing well (mentally & physically) as well as asking if there are any issues. Melissa is truly one of the best managers I've worked for, & I'm enjoying being a part of her MSU Team.

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Melissa leads our team with both her natural leadership skills and her heart. Beyond her clinical knowledge and her ability to communicate to those she leads, she also brings a compassionate side to her role as a manager. She is understanding, kind, caring, and flexible. She is always available to support us in any way she can. I have seen firsthand how she helps team members in their time of crisis. Her door is always open, and she is always willing to listen to and understand her employees. She is deserving of this award because she pours her heart and soul into leading her team. I feel blessed to work for a manager like her.

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Melissa has been a wonderful, compassionate, and caring nurse manager. She listens and encourages her staff to be good leaders and mentors. Melissa puts in a lot of work and time to make sure that our unit runs smoothly and has resources so that patients will get the best care. It is an honor to be a part of Melissa’s MSU time, and a pleasure to work alongside her.