Melissa went above and beyond taking care of an open-heart patient that remained on mechanical ventilation. Upon beginning her shift and her initial assessment, Melissa noticed that the patient's lower extremity was cold, mottled, and pulseless. Due to her early notification to the doctor, interventional radiology was able to get the patient quickly for an arteriogram. IR essentially removed a blood clot that was blocking circulation to the lower extremity. Without Melissa’s thorough assessment, the patient potentially could have lost her leg.

Melissa also noticed, on the same patient, urine output had stopped. After observing zero urine output (ICU calls doctor when UOP drops below 20 mL/hr.), Melissa began troubleshooting why the patient was not making urine. Due to Melissa’s troubleshooting, the problem was identified. The patient’s foley catheter had clogged. The foley catheter was replaced, and 900 mLs of urine immediately drained.

Melissa achieved all of these actions while taking care of other patients and updating anxious family members. She goes above and beyond for patients, families, and coworkers and deserves to be recognized. She is positive and always easy to work with. She is a very supportive team member who is always ready and willing to jump into action. Great job, Melissa. We love you and are so glad you are part of our ICU team.