Melissa Gianotti
December 2025
Melissa
Gianotti
,
RN
Family Birthing Center
MidState Medical Center
Meriden
,
CT
United States
Melissa turned what could have been a difficult and discouraging hospital stay into something we will look back on with gratitude.
My husband and I are first-time parents and recently welcomed our baby via a scheduled C-section. As anyone who’s gone through it knows, the experience can be overwhelming, physically, emotionally, and mentally.
In the first few hours after surgery, I attempted to stand but was unable to. That moment was incredibly discouraging and scary. It was during this vulnerable time that Melissa became my nurse and everything changed for the better. From the moment she entered the room, Melissa brought a calm, reassuring presence that both my husband and I desperately needed. She was empathetic, patient, and truly listened to our concerns without ever making us feel rushed or like a burden. She explained everything to us thoroughly, taking time to make sure we understood not just what was happening, but why. She made us feel safe, seen, and supported, something that meant the world to us as new parents navigating everything for the first time.
Melissa was also incredibly relatable. She didn’t just treat me like another patient; she treated me like a person. She validated my fears, encouraged my progress, and constantly reminded me that I was doing a good job, even when I didn’t feel like I was. My husband, who was also afraid but trying to stay strong, shared in that relief every time she walked through the door.
After a long and exhausting night of cluster feeding, when I was at the end of my energy, Melissa offered to take our baby for a little while so I could rest. The way she cared for him, with such warmth and gentleness, felt like she was caring for her own child. It wasn’t just a task to her; it was genuine compassion. That moment allowed us to breathe, reset, and emotionally regroup. Melissa turned what could have been a difficult and discouraging hospital stay into something we will look back on with gratitude.
Her care made a lasting impact on our entire experience as a new family. It is with all our hearts that we nominate Melissa for the DAISY Award. She represents everything nursing should be: clinical excellence combined with deep humanity.
In the first few hours after surgery, I attempted to stand but was unable to. That moment was incredibly discouraging and scary. It was during this vulnerable time that Melissa became my nurse and everything changed for the better. From the moment she entered the room, Melissa brought a calm, reassuring presence that both my husband and I desperately needed. She was empathetic, patient, and truly listened to our concerns without ever making us feel rushed or like a burden. She explained everything to us thoroughly, taking time to make sure we understood not just what was happening, but why. She made us feel safe, seen, and supported, something that meant the world to us as new parents navigating everything for the first time.
Melissa was also incredibly relatable. She didn’t just treat me like another patient; she treated me like a person. She validated my fears, encouraged my progress, and constantly reminded me that I was doing a good job, even when I didn’t feel like I was. My husband, who was also afraid but trying to stay strong, shared in that relief every time she walked through the door.
After a long and exhausting night of cluster feeding, when I was at the end of my energy, Melissa offered to take our baby for a little while so I could rest. The way she cared for him, with such warmth and gentleness, felt like she was caring for her own child. It wasn’t just a task to her; it was genuine compassion. That moment allowed us to breathe, reset, and emotionally regroup. Melissa turned what could have been a difficult and discouraging hospital stay into something we will look back on with gratitude.
Her care made a lasting impact on our entire experience as a new family. It is with all our hearts that we nominate Melissa for the DAISY Award. She represents everything nursing should be: clinical excellence combined with deep humanity.