The Heart of a Nurse-Melissa

“My faith in my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ drives me to jump out of bed every morning and give the absolute best of myself to anyone I may encounter throughout my day. It doesn’t matter if I’m at the grocery store and I assist an elderly in getting a product of the top shelf or in the middle of a complex procedure at work, where my clinical judgment is crucial in providing and maintaining homeostasis equivalent to life. We are sojourners in this walk of life and we must remember that our citizenship is in heaven, but until we cross from death to eternal life, I know that I have a purpose to fulfill.”

Meet Melissa Acosta a PACU (Post Anesthesia Care Unit) and an Interventional Radiology. She has been in the medical field as a nurse for 15 years. In August this year, Melissa and her husband celebrated their 9th anniversary. They have together a beautiful blended family of 4.  She has 2 children, and she’s also a proud grandma to Maddison. Her husband has 2 sons, and they’re expecting their first granddaughter in December. When Melissa isn’t working, she loves tuning in to Christian radio, reading, and cheering for the Houston Astros. But above all, she cherishes moments spent with her family.

“I have been nursing for 15 years and counting. Nursing is a vocation and I feel that I found my calling. I love to lose myself in serving others and providing the absolute, best care possible. A simple “thank you” from a stranger is rewarding and can transform that thorny shift into a pleasant one. My nursing experience consists of NICU (neonatal intensive care unit), Emergency Department, PACU (post-anesthesia care unit), and Interventional Radiology. For the past 8 years, Radiology has been my home department and I also help out in recovery (pacu).

As bizarre as this may sound, I can recall watching a TV show on TLC called A Baby Story. What caught my attention was how the nurses on the show were compassionate and caring toward the birthing mothers and their families. That was the deciding factor when to become a nurse. Prior to that, I knew I wanted a career in the medical field but was indecisive as to which career path I would take.”

Daily spiritual encounters;

“Daily as I’m giving my patient or their family water or something to drink I remember when Jesus told His disciples that whom ever gives a cup of water in His name, they will not lose His reward (Matthew 10:42, Mark 9:41). This biblical happening keeps me grounded and reminds me that I must humble myself in order to serve others. As I assist my patient’s to get dressed, I also remember when Jesus washed His disciples feet (John 13:1-17). Jesus came to serve not to be served. I take this to heart because as I provide care to complete strangers, I must remember that He gave His life for all of humanity, which includes every single one of the patients I have cared for these past 15 years.”

Fears and opposition are inherent aspects of human existence. Could you provide some instances where you have encountered and overcome challenges while maintaining your faith?

“During difficult days I like to stay encouraged by remaining positive and reminding myself that although I worked hard for my position, I know that without the grace of God, I wouldn’t have gotten far. I’ve learned to value the fragility of life and take every situation I encounter as a learning opportunity. I feel that nursing in general greatly impacts society. We are the backbone of all hospitals, clinics, and doctor’s offices. The innovation of technology has changed and will continue to progress for the better but the care remains the same as when the pioneer of nursing instituted to vocation, Florence Nightingale, in 1860.

Nursing during Covid was difficult. I recall arming myself with the Full Armour of God (Ephesians 6:10-18) before every shift. I would ask God to fill me with His almighty strength and to use me according to His perfect will. 2020 and 2021 were filled with divine experiences. As death was experienced worldwide in abundance, I saw patients who were vigorously fighting for their lives. I appreciated life and all of its beauties. The biblical verses in Lamentations 3:22-23 gave an elated meaning during this time frame because I was able to experience His mercy every morning.”

“The faithful love of the Lord never ends!
His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness;
his mercies begin afresh each morning.”

Lamentations 3:22-23

Nurses lead a challenging role, providing reassurance to those facing uncertainty. With unwavering faith and a deep passion for God and others, they serve unconditionally. Let’s keep her in our prayers as she continues to fulfill her purpose. Let every encounter she has been filled with the love and healing needed in any situation. Monita G Harrison