We recently had an extremely difficult case where a young mother was admitted with progressive, untreatable cancer and was made CMO. Melissa was the nurse assigned to her over the weekend, during which many difficult goals of care conversations were had, and decisions needed to be made regarding either escalation of care or prioritizing the patient's comfort and allowing her to spend time with her family in her last moments. When the patient decided to become CMO, Melissa ensured that every anxiety and every discomfort the patient faced was addressed.

Maybe most importantly, Melissa took the time to understand how the patient wanted her last moments to be spent, and what her fears and concerns were, especially in regards to how her daughter would be supported. Melissa became an unwavering source of strength and emotional support for not only the patient but also the husband, children, and extended family. She contacted every resource, made herself available for every question, comforted and distracted the patient’s children, nieces, and nephews, all while keeping the patients peaceful, passing the priority.

She was such an amazing example of a caregiver who can maintain complete control of an undeniably stressful situation, but wasn’t afraid to share and show emotion with the patient's loved ones. We are so lucky to have her as a role model on this floor; she is an incredible nurse, but more importantly, an amazingly sympathetic and compassionate person.