Melissa Popp embodies what it means to be a NICU nurse and leader on our unit. She is a resource for everyone, whether they have worked on our unit for one month or for 20 years. She shows compassion when teaching others and approaches learning moments with patience, always making sure the other person truly understands what she is saying and the concept.

She knows how to express urgency but is still calm in chaotic situations. When it comes to patient care, she is thorough and thoughtful. She keeps up to date on best practices and implements them in her everyday routines. She encourages others to stay up to date on new practices and helps each of us hold each other accountable to doing what's best for each patient. In the numerous critical care situations I have been in, she has been assisting me before I even have a chance to ask for her help.

I feel incredibly fortunate to work with her as often as I do. I truly believe our unit runs as smoothly as it does because of her leadership and genuine compassion. She is an asset to our unit that I find myself frequently looking up to. She raises the bar for the type of care I strive to provide our patients, and the type of coworker I want to be.