She has worked as a Registered Nurse for 36 years with 28 years as a postpartum nurse. She is described by coworkers as a role model who is an expert care giver, knowledgeable mentor and someone who is always ready to help if an emergency arises. She keeps everyone on the floor motivated and handles every situation with a smile. Her coworkers recalled an emergency with a postpartum patient who was in a lot of pain. Mecka quickly sprang into action. After talking with the patient and reviewing her symptoms, Mecka quickly suspected that the patient needed emergency surgery and called the patient’s assigned nurse and doctor. Fellow nurses say that Mecka stayed with the patient and held her hand during testing and diagnostics; she continued to stay with her until the patient went into surgery. Because of her quick action, diligence and advocacy for the patient, Mecka’s coworkers credit her with helping to save the patient’s life.