June 2026 Honoree
Melissa Stevenson, LPN
We would like to formally recognize Melissa Stevenson, LPN, for her exceptional clinical assessment, decisive action, and commitment to Veteran-centered care.
On one occasion, during what began as a routine patient interaction, she noted changes in her patient's health and, after further questioning, trusted her clinical judgment to escalate her concerns and arrange for the patient to be sent to the Emergency Department. Her quick actions led to the timely discovery of significant surgical needs as well as a cardiac event that was actively unfolding.
Her vigilance, expertise, and advocacy directly contributed to this Veteran receiving urgent, lifesaving care.
In the days that followed, the Veteran-while recovering in the SICU-requested to see her. With deep emotion, he shared with both her and her assistant nurse manager alongside his wife and daughter and said “Melissa, thank you, "you are the reason I am alive... You saved my life."
On another occasion, Melissa had a patient who was in the clinic for a trial of void. She was just talking to him before the procedure, and he said he had not been feeling well and he had not had a bowel movement in about a week. She noticed he did not look well either; instead of doing the trial of void, she advised the patient to go to the ED. He agreed, and after escorting him down there, they did an EKG that was concerning for a heart attack, which was confirmed, and he went to the Cath Lab later that day. With all this, his initial complaint of constipation turned out to be a cecal volvulus with a small bowel obstruction. If it was not for her quick thinking, he may have lost his life that day.
Her actions exemplify the highest standards of nursing practice: clinical excellence, compassion, situational awareness, and a steadfast dedication to the safety and well-being of our Veterans. We are incredibly grateful for her skill, her heart, and her commitment to our mission.
Thank you, Melissa, for embodying what exceptional care looks like.
On one occasion, during what began as a routine patient interaction, she noted changes in her patient's health and, after further questioning, trusted her clinical judgment to escalate her concerns and arrange for the patient to be sent to the Emergency Department. Her quick actions led to the timely discovery of significant surgical needs as well as a cardiac event that was actively unfolding.
Her vigilance, expertise, and advocacy directly contributed to this Veteran receiving urgent, lifesaving care.
In the days that followed, the Veteran-while recovering in the SICU-requested to see her. With deep emotion, he shared with both her and her assistant nurse manager alongside his wife and daughter and said “Melissa, thank you, "you are the reason I am alive... You saved my life."
On another occasion, Melissa had a patient who was in the clinic for a trial of void. She was just talking to him before the procedure, and he said he had not been feeling well and he had not had a bowel movement in about a week. She noticed he did not look well either; instead of doing the trial of void, she advised the patient to go to the ED. He agreed, and after escorting him down there, they did an EKG that was concerning for a heart attack, which was confirmed, and he went to the Cath Lab later that day. With all this, his initial complaint of constipation turned out to be a cecal volvulus with a small bowel obstruction. If it was not for her quick thinking, he may have lost his life that day.
Her actions exemplify the highest standards of nursing practice: clinical excellence, compassion, situational awareness, and a steadfast dedication to the safety and well-being of our Veterans. We are incredibly grateful for her skill, her heart, and her commitment to our mission.
Thank you, Melissa, for embodying what exceptional care looks like.
Thank you, Melissa, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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