Melissa spent a great deal of time caring for one of our very complex, chronic patients. This patient had survived a pediatric brain tumor that resulted in complications that led to a decline in the patient's already fragile state requiring frequent admissions to the PICU.
On her most recent admission, she suffered a cardiac and respiratory arrest that left her gravely ill. Throughout the time after the arrest, Melissa was frequently her nurse and fostered an unbreakable bond with her parents. They were distraught and had a very difficult time coming to terms with the inevitable decisions they were soon to be faced with. Melissa took excellent care of their daughter, but I would argue to say she also took extraordinary care of her family.
As time drew near, they made the selfless act of choosing to donate their daughter's organs. The entire process of the donation was centered around when Melissa would be on shift because it was so important for the family to have her as their nurse on their daughter's last day of life. Melissa comforted them, supported them, laughed with them, and wiped their tears. The family had a few requests that they expressed to Melissa. They wanted their daughter to be listening to SpongeBob, dressed in her favorite PJs with her favorite blanket, after the donation was complete. Melissa made sure to communicate this to the Gift of Hope nurse, and she also downloaded an episode of SpongeBob on her phone, to play for her.
While feeling great despair, the family continued to let us know how wonderful Melissa was and how grateful they were for all her care and compassion she provided not only to their daughter but to them as well. Melissa always provides the same level of skillful, compassionate and astonishing care to every one of her patients, and this case was no exception. I could not be prouder to work with such an amazing nurse as Melissa!! She is a true DAISY Nurse.