Melissa Raymond
October 2021
Melissa
Raymond
,
RN
D3
Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center
Lakeland
,
FL
United States
Being there as a nurse at end-of-life takes a compassionate, culturally sensitive, emotionally strong person with an innate ability to comfort the patients and families during their times of struggle.
I have had the pleasure of working with Melissa for over a year now and I have to say I see her live the LRH promises every shift she works. She gives her all every day for her patients. Working on the Palliative floor is emotionally draining and very physical no matter if a patient is taking their last breath or just starting their end-of-life journey. It takes a really special nurse to let whatever is happening in one room not affect your care for another patient in another room. Melissa pulls it together and goes into care for the next patient never letting on that her heart is breaking for the family in the other room. Being there as a nurse at end-of-life takes a compassionate, culturally sensitive, emotionally strong person with an innate ability to comfort the patients and families during their times of struggle. Melissa does that every shift, every patient, and with every family. As a colleague, I'm proud to work alongside her. She is always smiling and always thinking of others. She is forever creating positive vibes on our floor, and bringing in home-baked goodies to make the rest of us feel loved and appreciated. Her special ways, and forever always smiling face make her one of the best nurses I have worked with in my nursing career in hospice and palliative care. She truly is an inspiration to all of us who have the pleasure of working with her. She makes every day a true gift with her positive attitude and love for what she does and the patients and families she cares for.