I had need of your ED services this weekend due to an acute episode of chest pain and other classic symptoms of a cardiac event. I presented to the ED and received quick, courteous care from all, but Melanie Roberts stood out for her outstanding competency not only in her nursing skills and knowledge but her empathetic acumen put me at ease in a very stressful and personally concerning health situation. Melanie anticipated my needs and questions in advance, quickly assessed and treated my nausea and pain, coordinated labs, x-ray, and other patient care duties all while explaining everything currently happening and the treatment plan if my troponins were elevated in a calm reassuring manner with direct eye contact and a knowing/caring smile. She wasn't just saying the right words; you know she understands your situation and is there for you. She made me feel like I was her only patient and that everything would be ok. I left with no questions unanswered, understanding my follow-up needs with my MD, and calling back numbers if I had any questions or concerns after I got home. I have never had such a satisfying episode of care in my life at any facility.

I'm a former nurse, and I also work with nurses every day in my current position. I say completely without reservation that nurses like Melanie are rare. MHS has a lot of very, very good nurses, many of my friends, but Melanie is at another level, a truly great nurse and human being, and she is a credit to your facility and MHS. I wish I could have been the nurse then that Melanie is today. I came back to work for MHS to help caregivers, and knowing that what I do helps nurses like Melanie makes the bad days at work worth it.