Good nursing skills are meeting all of the patient's needs while they heal. A nurse that excels as a nurse goes one step further, a bar higher. Melody Sumter meets this criterion. Her warm smile and caring attitude are genuine and is communicated to the patient through her kind words and her dedication to work harder. Melody was able to pick up on the tension in my room. In her own quiet, caring way, she calmed the situation. She took the time to go above and beyond what was required. Very few special people have the ability to touch the lives of others without prying, to make others know you care about them and want to help them. I believe Ms. Sumter loves people, enjoys her job, and doesn't hesitate to walk the extra step or go the extra mile. For me personally, I know she made my stay much better. I think her actions spread to all those around her and it's contagious. That is a gift. I cannot imagine how difficult working as a nurse can be. I know it takes a special person to be able to work with the sick and/or dying. When your path crosses a nurse like Melody, who has the ability to make others smile, I think they should get an extra high-five.