Her Story
About Melissa
Melissa Lemay, BSN, RN, is a dedicated registered nurse with more than 30 years of experience providing compassionate, patient-centered care across a wide range of healthcare settings. She currently serves as a Neurosurgery Office Nurse and Surgery Scheduler at Sarah Bush Lincoln, where she coordinates complex patient care while supporting individuals undergoing neurological treatment. Throughout her distinguished career, Melissa has gained extensive experience in neurosurgery, family practice, oral surgery, home health, agency nursing, long-term care, and school nursing, demonstrating remarkable versatility and an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of patients and their families.
Before returning to Sarah Bush Lincoln in 2022, Melissa spent more than 12 years as a school nurse with Tuscola Community Unit School District #301, where she became a trusted advocate for students, particularly those from underserved and vulnerable populations. She regularly went beyond the traditional responsibilities of school nursing by providing emotional support, mentorship, health education, and essential resources to students in need. Her passion for education also led her to serve as a preceptor for graduate nursing students and as an instructor for CPR, ACEs, and Stop the Bleed programs. Melissa earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Illinois State University–Mennonite College of Nursing after completing pre-nursing studies at Lincoln Christian University. Her dedication has been recognized through honors including the Illinois Education Association's Advocate of Education Award, and she has served on the boards of both a local mental health organization and a school-based health clinic.
Melissa's professional and personal journey reflects extraordinary resilience. After surviving a ruptured brain aneurysm, multiple major surgeries, and other serious health complications, she returned to nursing with an even deeper sense of empathy and purpose. These life-changing experiences strengthened her belief that success is measured not by titles or accolades, but by the kindness, dignity, and compassion shown to others. Guided by her faith, integrity, and commitment to service, Melissa continues to make a lasting impact through patient advocacy, mentorship, and community involvement. Whether caring for neurosurgical patients, encouraging future nurses, or supporting those facing life's greatest challenges, she remains devoted to helping others feel seen, valued, and cared for.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Melissa
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my faith in God. I firmly believe that He has a plan and a purpose for my life. Each day I wake up is a reminder that I have another opportunity to make a difference, grow, and serve others. As long as I am here, I believe God is not finished with me yet, and that belief continues to inspire and guide me in both my personal and professional journey.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received was to hang in there. The early years can be challenging, especially for new nurses, but if you stay committed and keep going, better opportunities will come, and you’ll find a role you truly love.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the nursing profession is to stay resilient and don’t give up. The early years can be tough, but if you keep learning, stay committed, and persevere, you’ll find opportunities that are both rewarding and fulfilling.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Healthcare continues to face significant challenges, including increasing workloads, staffing shortages, and growing patient needs. At the same time, I believe the greatest opportunity is to provide compassionate, patient-centered care while mentoring the next generation of nurses and advocating for vulnerable populations.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that matter most to me are compassion, kindness, integrity, empathy, resilience, and a commitment to serving others. I believe in treating every person with dignity and respect, both in my work and in my personal life.
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