01/25/2026
Our October Employee of the Month is Melissa Cook!
I would like to nominate Melissa Cook, RN, Lactation Nurse, for her exceptional care, rapid response, and life-saving actions during a routine patient visit. Melissa had gone in to see a postpartum mom and baby to assess how breastfeeding was progressing. Upon entering the room, she greeted both the patient and her husband as she normally would. However, Melissa immediately noticed something was off — the patient was not speaking as she had during a previous visit and appeared to be struggling to cough. Melissa asked a couple of times if the patient was okay and quickly recognized the signs of distress. The mom had a panicked look on her face and was unable to respond verbally.
Relying on her clinical instincts and experience, Melissa quickly assessed that the patient was choking. She acted immediately — repositioning the patient by pushing her up in bed and moving behind her to perform the Heimlich maneuver. Melissa successfully dislodged a piece of potato that was obstructing the patient’s airway. Thanks to Melissa’s calm, decisive action and lifesaving intervention, the patient stabilized after the incident and recovered without further complication. Melissa went above and beyond her clinical duties as a Lactation Nurse. Her attentiveness, skill, and compassion exemplify the very best of nursing practice and our organization’s values. She didn’t just support this new mom with feeding — she saved her life. It is with the highest regard that I nominate Melissa Cook for recognition. She is a true hero and a shining example of excellence in patient care.
Thank you for all you do Melissa!
