Grinnell patient care technician earns ROSE award

GRINNELL — UnityPoint Health—Grinnell Regional Medical Center recognized McKenzie Mellecker, patient care technician, as this year’s ROSE Award winner.

ROSE stands for Recognizing Outstanding Service Excellence. A ROSE Award winner consistently demonstrates excellence through clinical expertise, extraordinary service and compassionate care.

Mellecker works in the emergency department at Grinnell Regional and was nominated by a patient for her optimism and compassionate care. She was presented with the award surrounded by her leaders and colleagues.

An excerpt from the patient nomination reads, “Mackenzie is a very positive person. She is full of pep and always there when you need her. She is caring, knowledgeable, not afraid to work and goes above and beyond for her patients with a big, genuine smile.”

After first deciding to pursue a degree in nursing, Mellecker shifted her focus to graphic design, which she pursued academically but not professionally.

While working as an admissions coordinator at a hospital, Mellecker regained her passion for nursing and felt inspired to do more for patient care.

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A certified nursing assistant, Mellecker became a patient care technician in February of 2023. She is currently pursuing a registered nurse degree.

“It's very rewarding to know that the care you provide makes a difference during a vulnerable time in someone's life,” says Mellecker. “I’m proud of the care that my team and I provide. It truly is a team effort.”

The ROSE Award honors patient care technicians as outstanding role models in the nursing community.

To recognize a care team member who has gone above and beyond, visit unitypoint.org/grinnell/recognize-your-nurse.aspx.