I was scheduled for a procedure that I had been fighting to receive, for over 6 months. On the day of the procedure, Melissa showed compassion at the bedside as she helped another coworker obtain IV access for me. Throughout the process, she treated both her coworker and me with the utmost respect, providing valuable teaching moments without making anyone feel “less experienced” in the process. When my procedure had to be canceled due to an emergency surgery, Melissa came to my bedside and held my hand as she told me and then hugged me as I sat there crying. She then tried one last time to advocate on my behalf, hoping to squeeze me still in. The fact that she took more time from her shift and tried anyway shows what kind of nurse she is. The care and compassion she showed me that day was nothing short of something I truly needed mentally and medically. I am so so grateful for all the extra support she provided me when she didn’t have to and when no one was looking. Those are the nurses who become great leaders and I’m blessed God graced me with her for both procedure days.