Nursing
Katie Melly BSN, RN, CPN is a Staff Nurse II at our Waltham location. Katie shared with us why she works at Children's.
What makes you want to come to work everyday here at Children’s?
I want to come to work to take care of the patients and their families. Most of our families are under tremendous stress after their child’s surgery. I focus on the patient’s clinical status but also on putting the family at ease. Some casual conversation, listening, and a calm manner can often bring a family to a comfort level where they are able to express their concerns and questions. Getting answers to these questions and reassurance regarding their concerns reduces their stress and brings some relief to a hard day.
What’s been your most memorable moment at Children’s?
I can’t choose one. My most memorable moments are situations where I worked really hard with a particular patient and family, and felt I was able to make a difficult hospitalization easier, whether it was helping with a clinical issue or providing some extra attention and empathy.
Children facing serious medical issues often fight illness better than adults. Yet they are unaware of the courage and determination healing requires. That strength and innocence is an inspiration for me.
Why did you choose pediatrics as your nursing specialty?
My initial interest in pediatrics came from an inherent love of caring for children. I helped with my three younger siblings, and I babysat as a teenager. Now, I continue to care for children because of their incredible strength and innocence. Children facing serious medical issues often fight illness better than adults. Yet they are unaware of the courage and determination healing requires. That strength and innocence is an inspiration for me.
Describe the teamwork and synergy that exists between the staff at Children’s Hospital Boston at Waltham and our headquarters.
Waltham inpatient is a unique setting as it is the only Children’s Hospital inpatient unit in a satellite. The organization strives to assure that there is strong communication between the main campus and the satellite. Our goal is to mirror Boston so that families will get the same care, in a more convenient location. Our nurses are involved with the committees in Boston and attend the meetings to stay up to date on any changes. We have a lot of support from managers, educators, and nurses in Boston to keep us connected.
