Melani has more than 20 years of experience in the medical ICU, but she never stops improving and deepening her practice. She embraces change that makes nursing better: She led the implementation of a wound-imaging technology that helps identify potential pressure injuries before they become a problem, an intervention that has decreased pressure injuries by an astonishing 91 percent. She is always looking for opportunities to develop new skills, recently mentoring new staff learning chemo administration. In her perpetual drive to do better, she leads by example for newer nurses.
Patients and families benefit from Melani’s deep experience and expertise, but her fellow nurses benefit from her presence just as much. Melani takes care of them, too. She dedicates herself to mentoring and precepting new nurses, sharing her knowledge and also encouraging them to develop their own nursing style.
Melani works to make sure her fellow nurses feel that they belong in the profession and in the unit. She is quick to organize events to recognize everyone’s contributions. Last year she threw a carnival for the staff and their families, where she gave out awards to recognize nurses’ strengths. She celebrates the diversity of the workforce, recognizing holidays and traditions of many cultures. Melani embodies the nursing ideals of continuous learning and deep connection with others. Her love for nursing and nurses shines through in all she does.