Meet Melissa Taylor, BSN, RN, a nurse in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). Originally from Prince George's County, Maryland, Taylor brings with her 25 years of dedicated service in the United States Army. Since joining Children’s National a decade ago, she has proven to be an invaluable member of her team.
Taylor's path into healthcare took an unconventional turn. Initially enlisting in the armed forces as an interrogator, she quickly realized it wasn’t her calling. Transitioning to become an active-duty combat medic, Taylor discovered her passion for medicine. During her military service, Taylor faced pivotal decisions. Given the choice between attending LPN school in the states or serving as a combat medic abroad in Germany, Taylor had just five minutes to make her decision. She opted for LPN school — a choice that would shape her future career.
Her military journey led her to various locations, including Missouri, South Carolina, Georgia, Texas, Louisiana, Kentucky and even overseas to Bosnia. Reflecting on her time in the army, Taylor notes, “The army is big on putting you in situations you aren’t comfortable with and gets you comfortable very quickly,” fostering both personal and professional growth.
Today, she continues to rise to the occasion in the PICU. “We take care of the sickest children in the hospital,” Taylor explains. PICU patients come from the Emergency Department or are transferred from other hospitals unable to provide the intense care needed. While primarily serving pediatrics and adolescents, they occasionally care for adults. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Children's PICU cared for some adult patients as neighboring adult hospitals were nearing or at capacity.
In her role, she serves as a preceptor, training new nurses and providing support as a charge nurse when needed. Her favorite part of the job is the team spirit. “The PICU crew, from doctors to techs to nurses, come together to show that anything is possible. After 25 years, the military is the best team I’ve ever had, and, honestly, the PICU at Children's rivals that,” Taylor says. What makes her team at Children’s National special, she adds, is “The fact that we all chose to work with pediatrics, and there is a special thing that comes with that. You can feel it in that space.”
To her team, Taylor says, “You matter, everything you do matters, and you make this job worth it. You are amazing, I love you all.”
Taylor’s commitment to serving others, both in the army and at Children’s National, exemplifies the spirit of compassion and commitment that defines the role of nurses, highlighting their importance in the care of our most vulnerable patients and families.
From Serving Our Country to Our Children
