Melissa
Filter
May 2012
Melissa
Filter
,
RN
Telemetry I
SCL Health Saint Joseph Hospital
Denver
,
CO
United States
I have had the immense pleasure of working with Melissa for several years. I have worked both night and day shifts so I have had the opportunity to receive patients from Melissa as well as work with her side by side. I have always known that she was an exceptional nurse who provided her patients with excellent care and compassion. However, one Friday afternoon she went above and beyond for her patient and is deserving of the DAISY Award.
I was in charge that Friday, and when I received report from the night shift, I knew Melissa was going to have a very busy day. She was taking care of a young patient who had a rare disorder causing painful symptoms. Melissa had a busy morning with the patient, but the patient was in good spirits with tolerable pain. However, in the afternoon one trip to the bathroom caused the patient’s pain to spiral out of control.
The patient’s pain was so excruciating that she was screaming out, crying, hyperventilating, squirming, and thrashing in bed, unable to get comfortable. The staff was giving her large doses of pain medications without any relief. Melissa was in her patient’s room all afternoon trying to comfort her by holding her hands, helping her deep breathe, wiping away her tears, and brushing her tear-soaked hair out of her face. The patient was squeezing Melissa’s hand so tightly I was concerned about the safety of Melissa’s hand! Yet the only thing on Melissa’s mind was how to get her patient comfortable and relief from this agonizing nightmare of pain.
When the doctor came up to evaluate the patient, Melissa was a strong advocate for her by insisting on more pain medications and a higher level of care. The patient was eventually transferred to a unit with a higher level of care, a testament to Melissa’s dedication getting the best possible treatment for her patient.
Late in the week, Melissa went to the other unit to visit and comfort the patient’s family. The father’s face lit up with joy upon seeing Melissa. She truly made an impact on that patient and her family. Melissa’s strong compassion and unwillingness to waiver in getting the best treatment for her patients, makes her a DAISY Nurse.
I was in charge that Friday, and when I received report from the night shift, I knew Melissa was going to have a very busy day. She was taking care of a young patient who had a rare disorder causing painful symptoms. Melissa had a busy morning with the patient, but the patient was in good spirits with tolerable pain. However, in the afternoon one trip to the bathroom caused the patient’s pain to spiral out of control.
The patient’s pain was so excruciating that she was screaming out, crying, hyperventilating, squirming, and thrashing in bed, unable to get comfortable. The staff was giving her large doses of pain medications without any relief. Melissa was in her patient’s room all afternoon trying to comfort her by holding her hands, helping her deep breathe, wiping away her tears, and brushing her tear-soaked hair out of her face. The patient was squeezing Melissa’s hand so tightly I was concerned about the safety of Melissa’s hand! Yet the only thing on Melissa’s mind was how to get her patient comfortable and relief from this agonizing nightmare of pain.
When the doctor came up to evaluate the patient, Melissa was a strong advocate for her by insisting on more pain medications and a higher level of care. The patient was eventually transferred to a unit with a higher level of care, a testament to Melissa’s dedication getting the best possible treatment for her patient.
Late in the week, Melissa went to the other unit to visit and comfort the patient’s family. The father’s face lit up with joy upon seeing Melissa. She truly made an impact on that patient and her family. Melissa’s strong compassion and unwillingness to waiver in getting the best treatment for her patients, makes her a DAISY Nurse.