Photo: (l-r) Angie Longing, CNO, Melanie Morrison, RN, ADN, John Green, RN

One of her co-workers observed Melanie’s relationship with a patient and described how Melanie made a difference in her patient’s life:

A patient was admitted from the emergency department after a suicide attempt. Melanie drew upon her faith in God to care for this patient while she was in the ICU and was able to help the patient talk about the anger and sorrow in her life.

Several weeks after the patient was discharged, a person called the ICU and asked how long Melanie would be working that day. A few hours later, the former patient arrived with a large bouquet of flowers for Melanie. The patient was almost unrecognizable with her broad smile, great posture, in a business suit, and walking with a snappy stride. The patient began to tell the ICU staff that initially during her hospitalization, her thoughts were focused on leaving the hospital to make a more successful suicide attempt. She explained that during the hospitalization and conversations with Melanie, she came to believe there was value to life and that God had not forsaken her. The patient thanked Melanie profusely and hugged her. If Melanie had not cared for this patient, she would surely be gone from this earth.