Atrium Medical Center—Melissa Waites

Melissa Waites has been a Registered Nurse for 28 years and has worked all those years at Atrium Medical Center, where she is currently assigned to the Intensive Care Unit. Melissa’s goal for her patients is to help them heal; she realizes that a patient’s well-being includes physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects. In addition to her expert knowledge as a nurse, she has the incredible knack of getting to know each patient as a unique individual. She makes each patient feel as if he or she is the most important person in the world. Leaving no stone unturned, she identifies and resolves system issues that may be barriers to care delivery. Her ability to assimilate clinical data and create a plan of care is “exquisite,” a nursing peer states. Melissa can enter a room and, with her ever-present smile, help others see the positives and help them navigate the obstacles to make each patient’s day better. Known as both a leader and role model, she is highly regarded by her patients, their families, and her peers for her strong clinical competencies, approachability, and sincerity. Melissa earned her nursing diploma from the Christ Hospital School of Nursing and holds certification as a Critical Care Registered Nurse. In March 2012, she received Atrium’s Daisy Award, which celebrates outstanding compassionate care delivered by nurses.