Melissa Wood
October 2024
Melissa
Wood
,
RN, BSN
Adult
MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center
Fountain Valley
,
CA
United States
Throughout this entire process, Melissa listened to me, validated my past experiences and my future concerns, she went above and beyond expectations to provide excellence in care prior to, during, and after the procedure that was of greatest difficulty for me.
I am writing today to nominate my nurse, Melissa Wood, for the DAISY Award. I feel certain that the excellence in care she gave me is just one example of the nurse she is and the care she provides to all her patients.
I am a 75-year-old woman, and early this year, I was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma for a second time. I was well aware of the steps and procedures I would be facing and there is one procedure in particular that is especially difficult for me. A little history... My first biopsy was four decades ago, before core biopsies were standard. My biopsy involved surgery. Unfortunately, I had a very difficult time with the wire insertion (repeated failed attempts) and experienced a long-lasting and severe vasovagal episode. By the time I was in the operating room, I was going into shock. While healthcare professionals may see these sorts of procedures day in and day out, this was my first, and it was a very traumatic experience for me.
My first cancer diagnosis was in 2015. It took a lot of convincing and a dose of Xanax to get through the wire insertion that precedes surgery. At first, I absolutely refused. I would like to note that in the 70s, I had four natural childbirths, three of which were very difficult, and I willfully chose to give birth with no pain medication. I prepared for natural birth and in doing so, learned methods of diversion and relaxation that I have incorporated into medical procedures throughout my life.
Returning to recent events... This year, I felt I was well prepared for the wire insertion. I knew what to expect and how to manage my anxiety. l called to get a prescription for Xanax but was met with resistance and, I believe, a reluctancy to prescribe it for me. I talked with Melissa and explained that though the wire insertion is a relatively simple procedure, it could be traumatic for me, and I did not want to risk a vasovagal episode. She actually took the time to listen to my concerns, she validated my feelings, and not only did she ensure that I got the prescription, she also walked the prescription over to the pharmacy so I could pick it up the next day when I was scheduled with nuclear medicine for dye injection.
Melissa was with me in the room for the wire insertion. Once again, I explained to everyone that I needed to place all of my focus and concentration away from the procedure itself. I placed a lavender-scented gauze over my eyes, began to breathe slowly, and started counting backward from 100 by 3's. Simultaneously, I used kinetic therapy by tapping my fingers to the numbers. I was suddenly startled by three very quick injections that felt rather forceful. I was so startled that I tried to get up. Melissa calmly placed one hand on my shoulder and another on my thigh, her voice was soothing as she reminded me to take a deep breath and slowly let it out. In that moment, it occurred to me that she was like a childbirth labor coach, and she was guiding me back to my methods of concentration and relaxation.
It was only because of Melissa's advocacy for ensuring a prescription to ease my anxiety and her immediate but calm response to my reaction during the procedure that a worst-case scenario was thwarted. I can assure you that without Melissa, I would not have made it through the procedure. I don't know how this may have affected the surgeon and surgery that was scheduled shortly thereafter. Even after the procedure was complete, Melissa continued to show empathy and genuine care. She used a wheelchair to take me to the next room for placement pictures and continued with me from that building to the hospital pre-op. She cared for me as a human being and not a number or procedure.
Throughout this entire process, Melissa listened to me, validated my past experiences and my future concerns, she went above and beyond expectations to provide excellence in care prior to, during, and after the procedure that was of greatest difficulty for me. I don't want to even think about how circumstances may have been without her unwavering support. She is a shining example of all that embodies an excellent nurse, and I would like her to be recognized as such.
I am a 75-year-old woman, and early this year, I was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma for a second time. I was well aware of the steps and procedures I would be facing and there is one procedure in particular that is especially difficult for me. A little history... My first biopsy was four decades ago, before core biopsies were standard. My biopsy involved surgery. Unfortunately, I had a very difficult time with the wire insertion (repeated failed attempts) and experienced a long-lasting and severe vasovagal episode. By the time I was in the operating room, I was going into shock. While healthcare professionals may see these sorts of procedures day in and day out, this was my first, and it was a very traumatic experience for me.
My first cancer diagnosis was in 2015. It took a lot of convincing and a dose of Xanax to get through the wire insertion that precedes surgery. At first, I absolutely refused. I would like to note that in the 70s, I had four natural childbirths, three of which were very difficult, and I willfully chose to give birth with no pain medication. I prepared for natural birth and in doing so, learned methods of diversion and relaxation that I have incorporated into medical procedures throughout my life.
Returning to recent events... This year, I felt I was well prepared for the wire insertion. I knew what to expect and how to manage my anxiety. l called to get a prescription for Xanax but was met with resistance and, I believe, a reluctancy to prescribe it for me. I talked with Melissa and explained that though the wire insertion is a relatively simple procedure, it could be traumatic for me, and I did not want to risk a vasovagal episode. She actually took the time to listen to my concerns, she validated my feelings, and not only did she ensure that I got the prescription, she also walked the prescription over to the pharmacy so I could pick it up the next day when I was scheduled with nuclear medicine for dye injection.
Melissa was with me in the room for the wire insertion. Once again, I explained to everyone that I needed to place all of my focus and concentration away from the procedure itself. I placed a lavender-scented gauze over my eyes, began to breathe slowly, and started counting backward from 100 by 3's. Simultaneously, I used kinetic therapy by tapping my fingers to the numbers. I was suddenly startled by three very quick injections that felt rather forceful. I was so startled that I tried to get up. Melissa calmly placed one hand on my shoulder and another on my thigh, her voice was soothing as she reminded me to take a deep breath and slowly let it out. In that moment, it occurred to me that she was like a childbirth labor coach, and she was guiding me back to my methods of concentration and relaxation.
It was only because of Melissa's advocacy for ensuring a prescription to ease my anxiety and her immediate but calm response to my reaction during the procedure that a worst-case scenario was thwarted. I can assure you that without Melissa, I would not have made it through the procedure. I don't know how this may have affected the surgeon and surgery that was scheduled shortly thereafter. Even after the procedure was complete, Melissa continued to show empathy and genuine care. She used a wheelchair to take me to the next room for placement pictures and continued with me from that building to the hospital pre-op. She cared for me as a human being and not a number or procedure.
Throughout this entire process, Melissa listened to me, validated my past experiences and my future concerns, she went above and beyond expectations to provide excellence in care prior to, during, and after the procedure that was of greatest difficulty for me. I don't want to even think about how circumstances may have been without her unwavering support. She is a shining example of all that embodies an excellent nurse, and I would like her to be recognized as such.