I found myself totally dependent on doctors, nurses and staff for nine days at the Winchester Hospital. I must say that the level of care was outstanding for everyone, but there was one nurse that stood out. Her name was Melissa Scribner and she worked on A3 and took care of me.
From the ER, I was told I would need surgery. I was also told that there was a nurse named Melissa that would be taking care of me after surgery and that she was great. So, right off the bat I was reassured that I would have the best care. I was sick after surgery for an obstructed small bowel, but I felt reassured when I heard this angelic-like voice say to me "My name is Melissa and I will be taking care of you." I looked in to her eyes and could see nothing but genuine compassion. She slowly and attentively explained what she would be doing and made sure that I was comfortable by asking "Do you need another blanket?", "Do you want some cool swabs for your mouth?", "Are you up high enough in the bed?" and she went on and on so that she didn't miss anything. When a nurse rushes to take care of you, you feel like you are bothering him/her. I didn't feel like that at all. I was Melissa's priority right then and there. Melissa took an interest in me as a person not just as her patient.
Halfway through my stay, I developed a fever. My bed and I were soaked. When Melissa came in and saw how wet I was, she had me sit in the chair to dry out my hair, while she got my bed changed. I didn't ask her to do this, she did it on her own. Her voice and temperament never ceased from being angelic. I had a roommate and Melissa took care of her with the same attentiveness and warmth she gave me. When I heard Melissa say, "Good Morning" to my roommate, I knew I was going to have a good morning too.
Although everyone was wonderful, Melissa stood out, her angelic voice projected straight from her heart. Melissa has compassion, love of nursing, genuine concern and care for her patients, and for being a nurse that everyone should be proud to have on their staff.