Melissa is quite possibly the best Charge Nurse we could have in the Clemmons and Brookstown Pain Procedures departments. She not only sets a great example by her heart-centered patient care and unflappable professionalism, but she also advocates for all of her staff. Her door is always open for concerns, questions, assistance, or even a hug.

She has a very broad knowledge base regarding chronic pain, policies, the day-to-day running of the clinic and procedures, and nursing practice. She can remain professional and calm even under challenging circumstances. She celebrates our wins and mourns our losses with us. She encourages the staff to put patient care and safety first.

I started working in the pain care line just under 2 years ago. I have had personal circumstances wherein Melissa has been a listening ear, a comfort, a support. I have had a few professional goals, and she has set up meetings with management or arranged for me to have the necessary training to reach said goals. She helps her staff shine in positions and responsibilities that complement their innate skills and personalities.

She puts in countless hours making sure we have the supplies we need; staff are where they are needed, necessary information is shared with all employees, patients with pain pumps are scheduled for pump refills within their timeframe, computers and printers are working properly, staffing is adequate and filling in where needed, upper management is aware of any issues, interpersonal issues are resolved within staff, etc.

To say she is an asset would be a paltry understatement. Clemmons and Brookstown would not function without her; she is essential. I cannot fully express what it means to me, a 14-year veteran nurse, to have a leader such as her. We are indeed the lucky ones.