I was admitted through the ED for a small bowel obstruction. Before being taken to my room, I was being treated with a nasogastric tube. I was taken to my room and my nurse was Melissa Estepa. I had developed diarrhea, which is bad enough, without any complications. But, being hooked up to an IV and a nasogastric tube made it even more complicated, not to speak of the humiliation and embarrassment. The NGT was not long enough to extend into the bathroom, but Melissa responded quickly each time and unhooked the hose. She was calm, efficient, always gave a reassuring smile and exuded warmth and understanding. As this was progressing she thought of a way to extend the tube so that I could respond to my urgent needs without assistance. She was concerned about the NG pump being able to pull through the additional length of the tube and worked with the pump to be sure it was doing its job appropriately.
Melissa's thoughtfulness, her rapid response, compassion, and creativity were greatly appreciated that night. She is a wonderful nurse, a warm, compassionate and understanding lady. She was an "angel in the night" for me.