Award-winning Nursing Care at Duke Integrative Primary Care

Melody McNair, LPN, has worked within the Duke Health System for more than 18 years. Melody is a recipient of the 2019 Friends of Nursing Excellence Award for Excellence in Nursing Practice, which recognizes exemplary contributions to Duke nursing through a nomination and committee review process. Each year hundreds of nurses are nominated but only 38 recipients are honored at a gala and a $1,000 educational stipend. The Friends of Nursing Excellence Award is one of the highest honors a Duke nurse can receive.

Learn more about Melody and her incredible impact on the patient experience at Duke Integrative Medicine.

Melody is a 1992 graduate of the Durham Technical Community College Practical Nursing program. She joined the Duke Integrative Medicine Integrative Primary Care clinical team in 2015 and has been an invaluable member of the healthcare practice ever since. She is interested in mind and body wellness and has taken the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Class at Duke Integrative Medicine.

Tell us a little about yourself and how you became a nurse.

My grandmother, who was a nurse, inspired me. At a very young age, I remember her taking pride in working to help others feel well. Plus, I was always fascinated with her white nurse’s dress and cap! Now, I have been an LPN for 27 years and have spent 18 of those years at Duke. I have worked in geriatrics, orthopedics and women’s health. For four years I also held a certification as a Childbirth Educator when I was working in women’s health.

What do you like about providing nursing care at Duke Integrative Medicine?

I like the environment, which has a sense of calmness and serenity because of the integration of natural elements like plants, natural light, and water. I think the environment also enhances the providers’ caring and compassionate approach to the patients. Additionally, I appreciate that I get to know patients in a more personal manner because patients have regular visits, which fosters familiarity.

How does your interest in mind and body well-being affect your approach to patient care?

I took the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and Expressive Writing Courses at Duke Integrative Medicine and I often refer back to the tools, especially from the Wheel of Health. This training helps me to provide a mindful approach toward the patient. It also helps to have constant practice and remind myself, “If I am well, then it will show toward others.”

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What do you do to ensure that your patients receive the highest levels of care?

I make it my goal to be genuinely nice, caring, and concerned about a patient’s overall well-being. I am intentional about developing the skill and habit of being present with the patient during intake and care. I also always try to respond to patients’ requests in an efficient and timely manner.

What do you think prospective patients should consider when looking for a primary healthcare provider or practice?

I think it’s really important for patients to build a relationship of trust with their primary care provider and also have access to care. I truly enjoy hearing how satisfied patients are at Duke Integrative Primary Care. They say that they’re given the quality and focused time by the providers, which is important.

Experience personalized healthcare at Duke’s Integrative Primary Care clinic with Melody McNair and other excellent providers. Experience longer appointments and 24/7 access to the healthcare team.

Become a member of Duke Integrative Medicine Integrative Primary Care and experience the best in conventional and complementary medicine so you can reach your health goals faster. Call 919-684-9816to to speak with the Program Specialist.

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