Melissa Norris, Night shift coordinator at Riley Hospital Pulmonary Unit, was my son's assigned nurse when he had a very terrifying night. From the moment the situation started going downhill she tended to him with speed and confidence. She not only acknowledged our concerns, but turned around and did everything within her power to fix the situation. Not only did she dedicate her whole attention to my son when he started going south, but her compassion toward me and his father helped us maintain as much of a clear head as we could.
When Melissa got any type of push back from doctors, she pushed back and got a hold of whoever she needed to get my son seen immediately. While we waited for the transfer to the ICU we kept my son's door open so we could have eyes on her in case we needed fast response again and she didn't let us down. She was either right in our line of vision, or in his room. The comfort that she provided during that time is unimaginable.
Our son got moved to ICU a little after her shift and she stayed to walk with us and assist us in the move. After his official diagnosis in the ICU, I have repeatedly been told the fact that it was caught so early is the reason he has a better chance of responding to treatment. We anticipated a 2 week stay and in 4 days we were looking at going home.
There is no doubt in my mind Melissa played the most vital role in saving my son's life and for that we are forever grateful.