Upon first meeting Michelle, I was struck with the loving spirit that emanates from her warm smile and caring eyes. She clearly has a passion for her work. Michelle is the consummate professional. Every time Michelle addressed my mom her words were firm, but respectful, and always with a caring, kind tone of voice.
Having been raised by a nurse, my mom, I conscientiously observe the hospital staff in action. Michelle's clinical skills and decision making capabilities are clearly evident. When she'd have to replace my mom's IV site, Michelle was always in on the first try, no matter how small the vein, before my mom even realized she had been poked. It was just the way I envisioned my mom doing such a thing if I ever saw her perform this task when she was an RN.
Michelle demonstrates extraordinary care to her patients and their families consistently through development and mutual trust, respect and emotional support. Michelle's demeanor is friendly, respectful, and loving. The first 3-4 days when I was most worried about my mom, she could not have been more supportive, often asking if I needed anything. Michelle's constant direct eye contact helped me to know she was trustworthy and sincere. She truly helped me through the most emotionally challenging days of my mom's hospital stay, when death was a real possibility for the first time in my life.
Michelle acts as a role model to the nursing profession with her flexibility and proactive leadership. Over several nights, I saw Michelle interact with her nurse assistant collaboratively and respectfully, teaching them effectively as a coach would. As a retired educator this was especially obvious to me. When the nursing assistant needed help, Michelle was not above even the worst, most unsavory tasks. Every job was undertaken with the same smile and sense of purpose. It is evident Michelle is an RN, and that she chose this profession to make a difference. When events would cause a change in her plans/schedule, Michelle was flexible enough to roll with it. She always kept her cool.
Michelle collaborates with the health care team in developing her patients' care plans and is obviously on the front lines with respect to carrying them out.Michelle nursing strengths are numerous. However, her greatest asset to her chosen profession is her ability to apply exceptional interpersonal skills with patients, families, peers, and colleagues. I experienced this first hand as a family member and observed it with the patient, my mom. She also utilizes her interpersonal skills in her interactions with her peers and colleagues. Clearly, Michelle is a highly effective communicator and is respected by her peers as a result. When my mom's health was the most precarious, Michelle regularly showed concern for me and was supportive, offering an understanding ear and emotional support that was greatly needed and much appreciated.
Michelle's job performance exemplifies the mission, vision, and values of Henry Ford Health System. She helps improve the lives of her patients through excellence in her art of health care and healing. Michelle helps transform lives and communities through health and wellness, one person at a time, by putting each person first and demonstrating respect for people. Michelle presents herself as being interested in continuous improvement of herself professionally.
Michelle is an RN my mom would have been proud to work alongside and would have been grateful to work with her so much these last 3 weeks. Unfortunately, with my mom's advanced Alzheimer's disease, she will never be able to remember, so I have to remember for her.