Melissa Fitzpatrick - Thriving in Chaos

Melissa Fitzpatrick is a healthcare executive who has been a registered nurse since 1977 and has dedicated her career to elevating the profession of nursing and patient and family centered care.  She has held a variety of leadership roles in Academic Medical Centers, in Industry and in professional nursing organizations and has seen the industry face many challenges in the face of rapid change and chaos.



Thriving in chaos requires elegance, dignity, quick thinking and great instincts.  Whether in the ICU, Emergency Department or executive suite, results depend on the leader’s ability to process information quickly, to manage competing demands and ambiguity and to stay focused on the goals at hand.  Minimizing chaos by limiting noise, distraction and inappropriate behavior is essential in order for the team to work effectively.  Having a plan in place and assuring that everyone is aware of the roles, goals and desired outcomes to achieve success is essential.  Practicing that plan in an ongoing manner and doing ‘mock disaster drills’ helps to assure that team members are ready in the event of an actual disaster or emergency. 

Being the calm in the eye of the storm is the role of the leader in a chaotic or emergency situation.  If the leader is demonstrating stress behaviors, communicating poorly or acting inappropriately, this will quickly affect the team’s morale and performance. Delegating effectively and optimizing the use of all resources is key so that no one resource is over extended or under-utilized.  Assuring that you and your team are rested, well-nourished and supported emotionally through the crisis will enable the best outcomes.  We do not execute our plans as well when we are hungry and have had no escape from the situation for hours on end.  Tending to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is a great rule of thumb.

Once the crisis has been averted, leading a team debrief and assessing what went well and what did not go well will assure success the next time. 

Melissa Fitzpatrick - Caring for Patients and Families

Melissa Fitzpatrick has always wanted to serve in a professional career that helps others, especially those at the most vulnerable times of their lives in the critical care arena. She chose a career as a nurse because she had a talent for working with others and was able to perform in highly stressful situations. She is also a natural leader who brought a wide range of clinical, teamwork and communication skills to every role. She has been a registered nurse since 1977obtaining an Associate’s degree, Bachelor of Science degree, and Master’s degree in nursing. She has worked tirelessly for the sake of those that she serves including patients, families and fellow caregivers and leaders.

 As a nurse for almost forty years, Melissa Fitzpatrick understands the complexities of patient care delivery and the many dynamics at play in the care environment.  Her goal has always been to be the advocate for patients and families and to assure that their multi-dimensional needs are met.  In the critical care setting, nurses are often the voice for the patient and must be supported in their ability to be a strong patient advocate.

Providing compassionate and competent care is the essence of nursing care.  One without the other is not enough.  The nurse is the only professional with the patient 24/7 and that is a great privilege that holds tremendous responsibility.  Nursing presence and vigilance have a positive impact on patient outcomes and the patient’s experience.  Nurses have an essential role to play in assuring that the patient’s needs are met and that the experience is as patient/family centered as possible.  As patients and families have more choice in their care delivery systems, they will rely more and more on the essence of nursing care to make the difference in their outcomes and satisfaction.