Michelle DeVicente
February 2020
Michelle
DeVicente
,
RN, BSN
NICU
Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital
Michelle appeared in the hallway just as I lost myself and thought I couldn't take another step. She went above and beyond – not only caring for our son but our entire family. Michelle encouraged me and my husband to hold him, even when we were both terrified.
Our son was born at 25 weeks gestation weighing 2 pounds, 2 ounces. We were immediately thrust into our new normal. After the shock started to wear off, a nurse walked me through the things I needed to know.
Parents matter. She informed me how important it was to be present and that my son needed me.
Breast milk. He needs it and if possible it should be mine.
Primary nurses. She told me that primary nurses are one of the greatest predictors of success for babies in the NICU.
So, I moved into our 'new home,' started pumping day and night, and began collecting primary nurses. That's when I met Michelle. It was her first day working with us and I blurted out the primary question. I didn't know her but she was on point with everything she did - Michelle never stopped moving and I immediately felt safe with her. She accepted without a second thought. I had no idea I was asking her to commit to the 133-day rollercoaster to get our son home. Michelle didn't just become one of our primaries, she became the unspoken lead. She set the tone for our son's care, providing an elevated level of communication, and got us through the darkest days. When I had to return to work at the end of my medical leave, Michelle appeared in the hallway just as I lost myself and thought I couldn't take another step. She went above and beyond - not only caring for our son but our entire family. Michelle encouraged me and my husband to hold him, even when we were both terrified. She sent medical supplies home so our five-year-old could feel a part of this wild journey. She sat with my mother when she came to rock our son - listening to the perspective of a grandmother. And when we finally left, she came in on her day off to walk us out. I cannot imagine going through this experience without Michelle by our side. It is because of exceptional people like her, and other primary nurses and doctors, that we left this experience with nothing but love and appreciation in our hearts. She is the ultimate nurse - strong, smart, deliberate, and patient. Michelle lives and breathes NICU nursing and for that, we are forever grateful.
***
Michelle is well-respected and truly practices both the science and art of nursing. She continues to rise to the occasion as a relief charge nurse in the complicated NICU setting while ensuring our daily operations flow as smoothly as possible. The families she cares for feel secure and the staff she oversees know that they can depend on her leadership. Michelle is a true DAISY Nurse.
Parents matter. She informed me how important it was to be present and that my son needed me.
Breast milk. He needs it and if possible it should be mine.
Primary nurses. She told me that primary nurses are one of the greatest predictors of success for babies in the NICU.
So, I moved into our 'new home,' started pumping day and night, and began collecting primary nurses. That's when I met Michelle. It was her first day working with us and I blurted out the primary question. I didn't know her but she was on point with everything she did - Michelle never stopped moving and I immediately felt safe with her. She accepted without a second thought. I had no idea I was asking her to commit to the 133-day rollercoaster to get our son home. Michelle didn't just become one of our primaries, she became the unspoken lead. She set the tone for our son's care, providing an elevated level of communication, and got us through the darkest days. When I had to return to work at the end of my medical leave, Michelle appeared in the hallway just as I lost myself and thought I couldn't take another step. She went above and beyond - not only caring for our son but our entire family. Michelle encouraged me and my husband to hold him, even when we were both terrified. She sent medical supplies home so our five-year-old could feel a part of this wild journey. She sat with my mother when she came to rock our son - listening to the perspective of a grandmother. And when we finally left, she came in on her day off to walk us out. I cannot imagine going through this experience without Michelle by our side. It is because of exceptional people like her, and other primary nurses and doctors, that we left this experience with nothing but love and appreciation in our hearts. She is the ultimate nurse - strong, smart, deliberate, and patient. Michelle lives and breathes NICU nursing and for that, we are forever grateful.
***
Michelle is well-respected and truly practices both the science and art of nursing. She continues to rise to the occasion as a relief charge nurse in the complicated NICU setting while ensuring our daily operations flow as smoothly as possible. The families she cares for feel secure and the staff she oversees know that they can depend on her leadership. Michelle is a true DAISY Nurse.