National Nurses Week Highlight - Melissa Delgado, RN

Melissa Delgado was in awe of nurses and doctors as a child. One day her pediatrician asked her what she wanted to be when she grew up.

“I told him a medical assistant,” she recalled. “He looked me in the eyes and grabbed my hands and said, ‘You can go further.’” 

Eventually, she did.  

Melissa knew, and was told by those in her life, that she was service-oriented to her core. She started her medical journey as a medical assistant at the Cancer Therapy and Research Center — which would later become Mays Cancer Center, home to UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson Cancer Center. 

Melissa credits those who worked with her — and saw something in her — for pushing her to go further, just like her doctor did when she was a child. She went back to nursing school and has been at the Mays Cancer Center for six years. She’s now a senior registered nurse in surgical oncology. 

Her favorite memories throughout her career include working with patients, eventually gaining their trust and being with them and their extended family through special moments. 

“People always say it must be hard working with cancer patients, but I don’t see it that way. It’s a blessing — a gift to work with them,” she says.  

When she’s not working, Melissa enjoys serving in her church and spending time with her large family, including her husband and three sons. They like to play outside and explore nature. She says she loves teaching her children how big the world is and that they, too, can do anything. 

You are so appreciated for your ability to connect with patients, Melissa!