Mellisa Wilson is an Essence of Nursing Award honoree.

Compassionate, authentic, clinical expert and “weekend warrior”— these are just a few of the ways that colleagues describe Mellisa Wilson, BSN, RN, of Braunwald Tower 4C7BC Oncology, a longtime weekend-shift nurse who fiercely advocates for patients and colleagues.

“Mellisa is more than an extraordinary nurse; she is an extraordinary person,” said Kayla Baker, MSN, MBE, CRNP, RN, professional development manager for Oncology. “Her kindness, empathy and compassion shine through in every interaction. Her presence helps patients feel safe, understood and deeply cared for, which makes a world of difference, especially for those facing the physical and emotional challenges of cancer.”

Wilson forms deep bonds with her patients and their families, caring for the whole person and not just their medical diagnosis.

“One patient shared that Mellisa had a remarkable ability to make them feel like the most important person in the world,” said Anna Pullo, MSN, RN, BMTCN, senior nursing director of Inpatient Oncology. “When Mellisa entered their room, all their worries disappeared. That is the gift she gives her patients — comfort, ease and a deep sense of security.”

Wilson recalled a patient she had cared for frequently prior to his passing. During his final admission, Wilson helped him achieve his wish of playing in a special video game event. She made arrangements for him to leave the unit, ensured he had the medical equipment he needed and spent her lunch break accompanying him on a trip around the hospital while playing the game he loved.

Tracey Slaven and Mellisa Wilson

“Patients whom we have cared for over a long period of time become like family,” she said. “I treasure the memories I made with him that day.”

Wilson is dedicated to improving the care and experience of her patients in many ways. When the unit began caring for patients undergoing immune effector cell (IEC) therapies, Wilson dedicated herself to learning about the new treatment. She identified a gap in care related to the potential side effect of neurotoxicity and worked with the team to address it.

“Her initiative, in collaboration with our physician assistant colleagues, helped to ensure patients received timely and appropriate diagnostic care,” Williams said. “She actively identifies problems, sets goals and collaborates with the right people to create solutions that benefit patients.”

Wilson is often described as “the weekend warrior” for supporting her colleagues during challenging situations and working tirelessly on behalf of her patients. One way she goes above and beyond in support of both staff and patients is by organizing an annual party for staff to collect and make blankets for patients hospitalized on Christmas.

“This gesture not only brings Mellisa a sense of fulfillment, but it also serves as a team-building experience for all of us,” said Chiarina Williams, MSN, FNP-C, OCN, nursing director. “Being able to bring a smile to a patient’s face during such a vulnerable time reinforces the purpose of our work as nurses.”

Wilson, who has practiced on the unit for almost 20 years, said she most enjoys working on 4C because of the relationships with patients and colleagues alike.

“I am able to spend time with my patients to build relationships that are the foundation for meeting their complex medical and emotional needs,” she said. “I have also developed strong relationships with my co-workers, especially my fellow oncology nurses, who have become my ‘work family.’ I am so proud to be part of such a dedicated team of nurses.”

Nominated by Chiarina Williams, MSN, FNP-C, OCN, nursing director, with letters of support from Kayla Baker, MSN, MBE, CRNP, RN, professional development manager for Oncology, and Anna Pullo, MSN, RN, BMTCN, senior nursing director of Inpatient Oncology