Melissa joined the E2 staff at Mount Sinai South Nassau as a New Graduate Nurse in October 2017. She quickly excelled in the clinical area and has now become a mentor to many newer nurses and her peers. She stands out for her commitment to excellent patient care, always putting the patient first, effective communication with her patients, family members, and team. She strives to improve nursing practice and seeks the best outcomes for her patients. She is a Wound Care champion for her unit. She recently created a poster along with a colleague on Intracranial Pressure Monitoring and Neurological Assessments which was displayed at the Peri-Operative education day. Melissa is professional and is collaborative in all interactions with the multiple medical and surgical teams that care for the patients on her unit. This includes orthopedic, neurosurgery, trauma, medicine and surgery. These members have verbalized that she goes above and beyond to advocate for her patients. She will not give up until a patient's needs are met, including their ADLs, pain management, or other acute care needs related to their condition.
She works well with all disciplines including Case Management, Social Work, Physical Therapy and Home Care. Melissa has taken the lead on supporting and assisting her peers in developing and working towards the Clinical Advancement Program. This year, for the first time, her unit has had numerous nurses apply for and receive CAP recognition. She is a leader and mentor for not only newer nurses but her peers as well. As a preceptor, she sets a high expectation for patient care delivery, yet in a nurturing approach.
Melissa made a difference in one individual's life that will never be forgotten. She was a guest at a wedding in the upstate NY area. She was casually mingling and enjoying the event when the Bride asked her to come quickly outside. Upon arrival of a young woman in a car, she found her unresponsive. With the assistance of others, she pulled the woman out of the car. Finding no pulse and without hesitation, Melissa began CPR. She put her skills into place and reacted spontaneously. Within a few minutes, a NY State Trooper responded to the scene. It was revealed that the woman may have been an overdose victim. The Trooper administered Narcan and she began to respond as the ambulance arrived. Melissa, having been a nurse for less than 2 years, verbalized that this was the most frightening experience she has ever had. She put her skills into place and would not give up. This example demonstrates her caring, empathy and compassion to all patients as well as her community. She has a true commitment and passion for nursing as seen both in and out of the hospital.
Recently, there was a 31 year old female admitted to her unit s/p MVA. She was married with 3 young children. She had sustained C1-C7 fracture leaving her paralyzed from the neck down. The needs of this patient were complex and outside the norm for the nurses caring for this patient. Melissa ensured all her needs were met physically and emotionally. She ensured all services were provided including Physical Therapy, Wound Care Specialist, Social Workers, Trauma Team, Neurosurgical services, Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist and many others. Melissa collaborated and worked diligently with the multiple services to transfer her to a facility best able to meet her needs. Under the care of Melissa, this patient was successfully transferred to a prestigious rehabilitation center to provide her with the care and therapy she required. Her selflessness, compassion, and passion for nursing, make her a role model and an asset to the Nursing Profession.