Without going into great detail, let me relate that Mel was with my son when I arrived to the ED. It was apparent from the moment I arrived that she'd already established a strong, beneficial relationship with him. As a nurse I know nothing happens without a patient's confidence in you as a practitioner and as a partner. It was impressive to see how easily and quickly Mel established rapport and created that crucial, trusting relationship. This was a moment of crisis for us, but in the midst of that, I knew my son had exactly the right nurse and was in skilled and capable hands.
As I listened to Mel talk with him about his options for treatment, I heard a nurse who spoke with compassion for his situation and shared with him her own difficulties in life. She made herself vulnerable so he could feel less so, and this is not something of which every nurse is capable. While she did not pull any punches as she talked with him, she also let him know through her tone and her presence that she understood how frightened and out of control he felt, and that she was there to help and guide him.
My sense watching and listening to Mel was that we must be two among many, many people and patients that she has helped during her years as a nurse. I do not know if she has received a few or many thank you's during that time. I know only that I want her to know that her care was, to my eyes and to my heart, exceptional on every level.
It is my fervent hope you will bestow the award on this well deserving nurse in recognition of the amazing talents and gifts she brings to bear for the benefit of her patients.