Mel demonstrates the ideal qualities of a nurse that I would want to care for me or my family, which also means she demonstrates exactly what we think of when we consider an OhioHealth nurse. My interactions with Mel were through the eyes of an OhioHealth leader and a family member whose Uncle was going through the scariest time of his life. My Uncle M underwent an unexpected CABG procedure, after which he suffered a post-operative stroke. Our family was understandably scared, worried, and under a great deal of stress during this time. But, Mel was a bright light who brought us comfort, peace, and understanding. To start off, Mel was extremely approachable and has such a bubbly personality. The update that she gave when I arrived to visit was extensive and thorough. She had already given this update to my Aunt as well as my cousin, but made it her mission to ensure that I understood what was going on too. I saw her repeat this thorough update twice more when other family members stopped by to visit as well, which was above and beyond expectation, but very appreciated. Mel helped us to understand the care plan and was right by our sides as the Neuro APP walked us through the scans from the stroke. She helped my Aunt form and ask questions of the APP to gain further clarity on the situation, which my Aunt would not know to ask without her clinical assistance. Again, Mel went above and beyond expectations to make sure we were comfortable and in the know. Mel and my Uncle shared a very special and meaningful moment when my Uncle expressed that he was scared and feeling frustrated. Mel held his hand for a period of time and promised him that she would be by his side, explaining everything along the way, and assured him that he was in good hands. She joked that she was the best at her job and, therefore would do everything in her power to continue to help him heal through his journey. The way she took the time to connect 1:1 with him was touching. It showed very clearly how passionate she is about her patients. She eased the worry in many moments by cracking jokes and keeping our minds at ease with regular updates. Mel was only assigned to my Uncle for a brief period of time, but during that time she truly made an impact on us. Even when she wasn't assigned to his room, she poked her head in and joked with him, asked how he was doing, encouraged him to push himself during therapy, and made sure we, as the family had no needs or questions that were unanswered.

My Uncle was discharged from Grant and unfortunately suffered another stroke during inpatient rehab that he did not survive. I wanted to be sure that Mel was recognized on behalf of myself and our family for the impact she made on us during this very difficult time. Mel is a phenomenal nurse, and we are so lucky to have her at OhioHealth!

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Every time I’ve worked with Melissa in the ICU as an off-service rotator, she’s super friendly and devoted to advocating for her patient’s well being. She’s excellent about caring for a person as a whole, and very open to sharing ideas and coming up with ways to make someone’s situation better. I definitely remember her helping me with a man struggling from persistent airspace disease which was refractory to a lot of treatments we threw at it. She and I shared a positive, hopeful attitude in cheering him on, helping him through his anxiety, and pushing for him to eat, breathe, and work with therapy. She cares deeply for people’s well being, and I will always respect that in another healthcare provider.