Melissa Emmons continually delivers high-quality reliable care. In the past 2 months, Melissa has put the patient first and made good catches on 3 surgical patients. Melissa demonstrates high-quality patient care and safety and is a vital leader in SNW PACU. The first surgical patient was in tremendous pain after having urology surgery. The pain medication that the patient had been given was not reducing the patient's pain. Melissa notified the surgeon. The patient was taken back to the OR for stent placement. This resolved the patient's pain issue and saved the patient from a return visit to the Emergency Department.
The second surgical patient was complaining of discomfort and increased swallowing after a thyroidectomy. Although there was no visible blood, Melissa instructed the patient to spit instead of swallowing, which led to Melissa realizing the patient was bleeding. She notified the surgeon and the patient was taken back to the OR. The patient's bleeding issue was resolved, and the patient recovered quickly afterward.
The third patient had a colon resection. Although the patient never complained of pain, Melissa noticed while continually reassessing the patient that their abdomen was beginning to be slightly distended. Melissa notified the surgeon. The patient was taken back to the OR for a twisted colon. Melissa saved this patient from necrosis of the bowel, an extended stay, and she quite possibly saved his life. These are just three examples in the last two months that illustrate how Melissa always goes above and beyond for her patients.