Michelle Miller 2022, RN

Michelle was interviewing a patient for an upcoming surgery. The patient informed the nurse that he had an “allergy” to the anesthesia gases long ago as a child. Michelle investigated the “allergy” through the surgeon’s office and with the patient’s family doctor without gaining further insight. Discussion with the anesthesia department lead to communication with the patient’s mother. The patient was diagnosed with Malignant Hyperthermia as a child. The patient had no understanding of this significant history with his upcoming surgery. Michelle spent hours working to clarify this “allergy” to anesthesia gases was a significant health issue that could have proved deadly if the information hadn’t been provided to the patient’s surgical care team. Michelle has demonstrated extraordinary communication in the delivery of quality and safe patient care by working in conjunction with the multidisciplinary team.