Melissa was so unbelievably smart, knowledgeable, competent, patient, and kind that she made our experience here over the two weeks my mom was in the ICU feel like she was in the BEST hands. We were fully included in her care plan and all communication involved to get it to be successful. 

There were many days that Melissa was my mom’s nurse (more than any other consistently), and many times she was on during morning rounds. I was welcomed daily to sit in on morning rounds, and every single time she was on, I was amazed at the exceptional amount of knowledge and contribution she added. I was totally floored by how many times the doctors asked her suggestions and usually agreed with them and applied them. I don’t think I have ever heard that level of parallel communication between doctors and any other nurse. From that first moment I witnessed it, I knew we were in good hands, and she did not cease to continue to blow us away day after day, giving 110% without fail, which is extra impressive because my mom was quite the handful with her needs and struggles, and would have worn anyone out in one day. Still, Melissa never seemed phased and was just stellar every single day.

I also appreciated her honesty and ability to put my mom’s actual needs above everything else, even when it came to saying the hard things, like when there was too much stimulation for my mom happening when there were too many visitors. Not many nurses are comfortable having to ensure what’s best for the patient, even when the family thinks they are helping but aren’t. Melissa handled situations like these with the utmost grace and respect, and we appreciate how truly she cared for my mom to every extent. 

To this day, after so many hospital experiences with my mom and her ailing health, I have never met a nurse quite like Melissa, who is truly a lifesaver and genuine caretaker to the core.

We owe so much of my mom’s success to this woman – Thank you, Melissa!