Melissa Burkett
January 2023
Melissa
Burkett
,
RN
Emergency Department
Brian D. Allgood Army Community Hospital
Pyeongtaek
Korea

 

 

 

It goes without saying that Melissa is the living and breathing definition of selfless service, compassionate care, and bona fide nursing excellence.
After a hopeful attempt to start a family, my husband and I went through unimaginable pain after losing our baby early in our pregnancy. For many reasons, it was a devastating loss. I felt utterly lost. During this process, Melissa was there to offer support as a loving and concerned family member would. She embraced me while I grieved in a kind, empathetic, and caring manner. Although it was Melissa’s day off, she escorted me to the ER, helped coordinate every aspect of my nursing care, and ensured I was promptly seen and granted every resource available. During the visit she did not leave my side until I was discharged (past midnight) even though she was to take over the role of OIC of the ED for the first day of the FTX the following morning. In the days after my discharge Melissa continued to be an extraordinary source of support through prayer and texts. It goes without saying that Melissa is the living and breathing definition of selfless service, compassionate care, and bona fide nursing excellence. The words do not exist to express how grateful and blessed I am for the kindness and love Melissa showed me and my husband during one of the most distressing times in my life. I will be eternally grateful to her.