East 5 Nurse Manager Karen Przybyszewski noted that what Carlson gives most of is time. “It’s important when working with cancer patients that you spend time with them,” Przybyszewski said. “Michelle is exceptionally giving that way. She never makes anyone feel as if she’s in a rush. She’s genuine, and it’s real. It’s right from her heart. Patients and families know that right away, and they see how unwavering she is in giving of herself.”
And what Carlson has realized is the more she gives, the more she receives. Carlson said patients and their families doted upon her during the pregnancy, and she worked right up until the day before her son was born.
“I approach every meeting with a patient or family with optimism,” Carlson said. “I try to be positive and I try to help make that day as hopeful and positive for everyone involved in a difficult situation.”
“And when I was pregnant I got just as much support, from my colleagues to the women in the beds who themselves were mothers and grandmothers. Aside from our maternity center, this has to be the best floor to be on when you’re pregnant.”
Ida Balasi, RN, is a charge nurse on East 5 and herself a DAISY Award recipient. She simply described Carlson as having “a positive and caring personality.” After Jennifer Tyll, RN, NP, watched Carlson with a gynecologic-oncology patient, she said Carlson’s “compassionate care is an amazing example of what a nurse should be.”
While Carlson listened to the accolades during the ceremony, she appeared to be trying to comprehend it all and also trying to keep her emotions in check. “I don’t look at nursing and my role as doing it for my own gratification or for recognition,” Carlson said. “That’s why this is all so overwhelming. All I can really tell you is that I do it because I love it.”