From the first moment I entered the Emergency Room and met Melissa, her calmness, professionalism, and cheerfulness immediately put me at ease.
I was concerned about wasting the time of the ER staff, as I felt pretty sure I wasn't having a heart attack but wanted to err on the side of caution. I mentioned that to Melissa before being discharged, and she said I should not worry about it or feel that way because it is much better to be in the Emergency Room rather than another place in the hospital (and she whispered "the morgue").
From every encounter with Melissa, I could tell that she was totally committed to being a nurse and that she really enjoyed her work. Her smile could make anyone feel better and warm even the grumpiest of souls.
I cannot think of anyone I would trust more to take care of a friend or family member. Melissa was there to answer any question I had and was never too busy or in such a hurry that I felt it was an imposition on her time. To be completely honest, she made me feel like I was the most important patient she had. I am sure that is how she makes every one of her patients feel.
She was calm, focused, communicative, and comforting. Unflappable is a word that comes to mind when thinking about the care she gave. Melissa was so organized and made everything she did look easy, while I am sure it was due to her amazing talents.
I really did not want an IV, as I find them quite painful, and I thought that perhaps it wouldn't be necessary if the EKG didn't show anything. Melissa explained that it was a protocol to do it, and how it would save the issue of a separate blood draw and that it could be needed down the line. She was very focused and communicative in making me aware of the necessity of the IV as soon as I arrived in the ER, but was compassionate, understanding, and cheerful the entire time while explaining it to me.
A consummate team player. She coordinated well with the other nurse who was giving me the IV, and they both were aware of how nervous it made me, and did their very best to keep me calm and relieve my fear as best as possible.
Understands that little things make a big difference. Melissa asked every time she was in the room whether I needed anything to make me feel better, like a blanket or something to drink. Finally, when I found out I would need to stay a couple of hours longer for additional labs, I mentioned that I was diabetic and had not had anything to eat that morning. Melissa immediately proposed to bring me a breakfast tray and asked what I would like. Within a very short time, I had my food and was quite happy.
Attentive to the emotional and psychological needs of patients. As my nervousness about having an IV indicated, Melissa was very much aware of my emotional and psychological state, and she did everything possible to alleviate my fears about having the IV.
Compassionate and genuine. Melissa was more compassionate and genuine than any nurse I have ever come into contact with. Melissa made me feel that I was the most important person in her life during the time of my visit to the ER.
As we talked a bit, I found out that she is the mother of two children, the youngest being nine months of age. It must be very difficult to put her family out of her mind during her work hours, but she was completely focused on her patients, not her children or what might be going on at home. She has it all together.
She is a true patient advocate. As previously stated, she made me feel that taking care of me was her most important endeavor of the day. I could not think of anyone who has ever given me such a feeling. Usually, I have the idea in my head that the staff can't wait to "process" me and get me on my way (out of the ER). Melissa was not that way at all. She was welcoming, and I felt I was not merely another number in her long and tedious day. I don't believe Melissa has ever experienced a tedious feeling, no matter how long or challenging a day has become.
Creates joy. That goes without saying, as Melissa radiates joy from her entire being. I wish I had an outlook like hers. I am sure she has difficult trials and tribulations in her life (as we all do), but she overcomes them with her total grace and joy of life whenever they might occur.
Writing things like this is not easy for me and something I don't often do, as I have my own issues to deal with, but in the case of the care I received from Melissa Sudhoff, I felt compelled to do so. She deserves all the praise and recognition that can be bestowed upon her, as she is a rare jewel that should be treasured and rewarded.