April 2018
Melissa
Gilligan
,
BSN, RN
Critical Care
Meritus Medical Center
Hagerstown
,
MD
United States
During the eight days my father-in-law spent in the ICU before being transferred to palliative care, Melissa showed more compassion and exquisite nursing skill than any other nurse. Melissa greeted him every single time she came into the room, even going as far as to joke with him. Melissa was always more than happy to make him comfortable, treating him with dignity and respect. What stuck out most to me was the way Melissa would hold my father-in-law's hand or rub his head as she explained what she was doing. That loving regard for his dignity was beyond comforting in that extremely difficult time for us and him. By leaps and bounds, Melissa is the best nurse I have ever had the pleasure of meeting.