Melanie
Morrison
September 2011
Melanie
Morrison
,
RN
Family Birth Place
Carroll Hospital Center
Westminster
,
MD
United States
Melanie assumed care of a patient for induction. She discovered that the patient’s platelets were extremely low. This was missed by the prior nurse and house physician. Melanie immediately notified the OB. The patient was found to be in HELLP syndrome and became very sick, very quickly. Not only did Melanie take exceptional physical care of the patient, but she also provided emotional support to ensure that the experience of the baby’s birth was not lost to the serious nature of the mom’s health. Melanie received a letter from the mom that stated, “Words cannot express my sincere appreciation for what a diligent, thorough, caring and compassionate nurse you are.” She also stated, “…it is obvious to me that you put your heart into what you do and that’s something you don’t come across much these days. From the bottom of my heart I want to thank you for everything. You were comforting and it made me feel more at ease to have you in the OR as well.” She went on to thank her for taking a video of the baby so mom could see it and for “holding my focal point clip on for safe keeping during the C/S, and for coming in on your day off to see me.” This describes the essence of an exceptional nurse.