Humankindness at Work: Melinda Hugley, Education Specialist

At St. Luke's Health-Patients Medical Center, the spirit of humankindness takes many forms. For education specialist Melinda Hugley, DNP, MBA, MSN, RN, it's not just a philosophy; it's a way of life and a value she has daily carried with her over the course of her 17-year nursing career.

"You never know what a person has been through or what they're currently going through, and it's important to always be kind,” Melinda reflected. It’s a truth she learned years ago when her youngest son faced a battle with cancer. The compassionate care and support her family received from her son’s care team solidified Melinda’s long-held desire to become a nurse. And once her youngest child graduated from high school, the timing was right for Melinda to pursue that dream. From CNA to LVN and then RN, she continued advancing her career and is now a doctorally prepared nurse (DPN) with a specialty in nephrology and is pursuing her board certification.

Melinda's primary responsibility as an education specialist is to enhance clinical practice through developing and conducting education programs, providing guidance and support to staff, mentoring, facilitating skills fair and other assistance as needed. This entails a diverse range of tasks, from teaching proper techniques for new IV pumps and blood draws, to guiding nurses seeking advanced certifications. She acts as a vital resource, ensuring that the team is equipped with the latest knowledge and skills to provide exceptional care. Beyond formal training, Melinda offers immediate, practical support, readily stepping in to assist with direct patient care when needed. 

Melinda’s work is shaped by a deep understanding of not only the experience and needs of her colleagues, but also of the patient and family experience. She inherently provides support to all who cross her path, embodying humankindness in every interaction. Team members are welcome to her “humankindness station” which she keeps stocked with snacks, teas and drinks for anyone who needs a little boost. She also keeps a white board on the back of her door where staff often write prayer requests, which Melinda prays over daily. Every small gesture sends a clear message: “We are all connected. Let’s make time for one another.”

Time is a resource Melinda often stretches in the spirit of humankindness–both for team members in need of support or guidance and for patients and family members in need of comfort. Recently, when she encountered a distraught family member in a hospital hallway, Melinda took the time to connect and offer comfort. "I just went and gave her a hug and said, 'I don't know what you're going through, but I want you to know that we love you here. We appreciate your trusting us with providing the care to your loved one.” The family members welcomed the conversation and prayer.

For Melinda, working at St. Luke’s Health allows her an opportunity to fully live out her faith and values. She views every interaction as an opportunity to serve, uplift and make a positive impact. 

"We just don't know the impact that we have on people's lives,” Melinda said, reflecting on the nature of her work and her nursing career journey. “It's more than just a job, it's a ministry." And in this ministry of healing, humankindness is always at work.