I have had two prior back surgeries in the past five years and this one was the most challenging for me. I was having significant pain and Michelle would somehow diffuse it once she came into my room just by being there.
Michelle Hornung was one of the nurses whom I had the opportunity and pleasure to work with me. She was instrumental in making this stay for me a more enlightening and less painful one.
Her attention to detail, bedside manner, care for patient concerns and needs, her timeliness in follow up and communicative abilities were superb. She always hustled but never overlooked how she was taking care of me. I never worried about my care when she was present. She was always present even when she was not physically in the room. Her spirit was always there. On two different occasions, just after she left my room, I overheard her say to another staff member, "I just love my patient in that room!" That made me feel great even though I wasn't feeling great. She always presented herself as a fun loving, down to earth, authentic individual both personally and professionally. Her nursing skills were excellent! Her due diligence was impeccable.
She always entered my room with a huge infectious smile which perked me up despite the physical and painful challenges that I was encountering. She always made me smile and lifted my spirits. She often would come into my room even when she was busy just to say hi or to follow up to see how I was feeling. I have had many health care nurses in my life who have provided me with excellent care; however, Michelle went the distance to insure her shift with me was an enjoyable and healing one. My well-being was her first and foremost priority. She always made me laugh as we exchanged short stories whenever time permitted. Her presence was a gift to me during my stay. She was the real thing!
I have been a patient many times due to all of my medical conditions but Michelle emulated the essence of a true angel in the personal and professional care that she gave and displayed to me. She quickly responded and followed up with any calls made to the nursing desk. She would call my physicians if I had any concerns regarding medications or treatment. Her nursing skills were superb however it was her uplifting personal touch that "put the candle on the cake" for me. If I had gone into a nursing career, I would want to mirror the qualities of Michelle as a credible and an accomplished health care professional. She certainly deserves this award for her contributions and excellence in nursing.
I can understand why this award is called the "DAISY Award". Michelle Hornung is a true and compassionate "daisy" whose strong petals continue to reach out to others allowing her sun to shine onto them! She allows others to heal by her presence and is very deserving of this award. I am grateful for this experience at the UW Hospital for I had this opportunity in sharing her skills with me individually and collectively with other patients. You should be pleased in having the opportunity to have her on your staff. She "beams" and live excellence! She is a glue to your staff and hospital. Thank you, thank you, thank you Michelle!
Thank you for this opportunity. I am grateful to each of you for the endless and sometimes thankless work that Michelle and all nurses provide. With each of you I am enlightened that the future continues to brighten for the health care profession and the services you provide.