Michelle demonstrates clinical excellence through her patient interactions. She makes a point to treat each patient as an individual, learning about their circumstances and connecting with them on a personal level. Michelle easily creates trusting bonds that allow patients to feel safe sharing sensitive information, which they would not often divulge to others. Michelle is non-judgmental in her care. She uses this information to guide the care team to determine realistic and sustainable discharge plans for complicated patients. 

Michelle demonstrates compassionate care in everything she does. Her bedside manner is unmatched. She recently bonded with a homeless patient who discussed his current living situation with her. The patient expressed the compromised status of his vehicle and his inability to discharge anywhere else. Michelle immediately took action to determine how she could help this gentleman discharge safely. 

Exemplary service is part of Michelle’s everyday practice. She goes above and beyond for Med/Surg patients by bringing in Holiday decorations, and clothes, making cards and banners for birthdays as well as discharges. In addition to her amazing every day, Michelle took it upon herself to personally clean out the vehicle of a homeless patient that was discharging to an extremely compromised SUV. She discussed the contents of the vehicle with the patient, saving any items of importance, and then she deep-cleaned the entire car. Including removing trash, shampooing carpets, and cleaning and sanitizing the entire interior. This act took countless hours as this gentleman had been dwelling in his vehicle for a prolonged period of time. Michelle completed this task all during her time off. 

Michelle’s commitment to excellence is demonstrated through her dedication to her patients. She collaborated with our care team to ensure a safe discharge for a patient who likely would have been unable to maintain his rehabilitated health status in his compromised vehicle. She ensured the safest possible discharge plan, respecting the patient, and demonstrating professionalism, and genuine compassion for his circumstances. This gentleman was treated with dignity, respecting his requests, and seeking his approval for all improvements made to his property. Michelle’s commitment to excellence goes beyond her workday, she is constantly utilizing personal and community resources to benefit the well-being of West Valley Med/Surg patients. The population we serve is fortunate to have Michelle as their Nurse. Her team admires her heart, work ethic, skill, and knowledge. West Valley is better with Michelle being a part of our team.