An uneventful circumstance occurred with a long-term Northport Rehab patient. The ET/WOC team has been following the patient for weeks due to a complex large non-healing surgical wound to her right groin that extends to her right posterior buttock. Due to the complexity of the wound, it normally requires two wound care nurses and additional bedside staff to assist with the dressing change to prevent pain and ease of application.
When I arrived at the room to assist Melanie Boothe with the patient, the patient was tearfully upset with the events that had occurred throughout the night and early AM. Melanie was holding the patient's hand and consoling her stating: "I'm here for you and my primary purpose is to take care of you today." The patient continued to cry, and Melanie leaned down face level maintaining eye contact to further comfort the patient and asked, "Is it okay if I give you a hug?" Melanie embraced her, and Melanie became the shoulder that the patient needed to cry on at the time. The patient finally began to smile and no longer seemed distressed after the interaction with Melanie. The patient sincerely thanked Melanie and informed Melanie that she was so grateful for her presence and stating she was a Godsend.
When standing next to Melanie, my first thought was, "I'm honored to work with a caring and compassionate individual that always places others needs before her own." I didn't want this act of kindness to go unnoticed since it's long overdue.
Melanie has been with the organization 32 years and has taken the time to nurture many employees in the wound care department, including myself. She is a patient advocate as she demonstrated with her patient and has done the same act with many other patients. Melanie has had some challenging situations this last year but still manages to get up daily and give 110% when she enters this organization. I'm grateful that she is a member of the ET/WOC department and we have grown because of her passion and love for this department.
This is just one story; there are many more where Melanie has had a positive impact on employees, patients, and family members. This department would not have made the strides that it has without Melanie's drive, persistence, and dedication. I want to give her the proper "Thank You" and let her know that her act of kindness is always appreciated and never goes unnoticed. Melanie is the light of the department and I want to take the time to tell her to continue to shine daily!