March 18, 2021
The role of a nurse is often much more than that of a caretaker – they’re also teachers, patient advocates, counselors and cheerleaders. Each day, they provide their patients with a sense of safety and security during an unfamiliar time. Nurses are truly the heart of the healthcare field.
After a trying year for nurses around the world, it’s more important than ever to recognize the phenomenal work that they do.
We’d like to acknowledge two of our own incredible nurses, Kim Cordia, MS, BSN, RN, ONC, and Melissa Eagan, BSN, RN, ONC, who were recently nominated for St. Louis Magazine’s 2021 Excellence in Nursing Award.
Both Kim and Melissa are integral members of the pediatric and adolescent orthopedics team. Kim is the pediatric orthopedic nurse manager at St. Louis Children’s Hospital Specialty Care Center and Melissa is a pediatric orthopedic nurse educator.
Growing up in North St Louis County, Kim and Melissa were friends prior to becoming colleagues. Their strong friendship has blossomed into a supportive and encouraging working relationship.
Melissa says, “Kim is committed to her profession as a nurse and [as a leader] in the department. She promotes the values of healthcare, inspires those around her and is a positive role model that keeps our department moving forward.”
Melissa was recruited by Kim in 2014 when the department began to expand. Kim says, “Melissa has been an absolute rock star. She goes above and beyond every single day for our patients, parents and providers. She works with the St. Louis Children’s Cerebral Palsy Center and is the lead orthopedics representative for the Tri My Best Adaptive Triathlon. She also volunteers her time with World Pediatric Project (WPP). Whether it’s here in St. Louis or on mission trips, she’s always giving back.”
Above, from right: Kim Cordia, J. Eric Gordon, MD, Melissa Eagan, and other WPP team members pause for a photo while on a mission trip.
Kim (along with many of our pediatric orthopedic physicians) is also very involved with the WPP, traveling across the globe to help treat children with complex orthopedic conditions that wouldn’t normally have access to orthopedic services.
The 12th annual St. Louis Magazine Excellence in Nursing Awards ceremony will be held virtually via Facebook Live on April 22, 2021. We wish Kim and Melissa the best of luck and congratulate them on their well-deserved nominations.