I nominated Michelle for the outstanding kindness, warmth, empathy, and respect that she has repeatedly shown to me, my father (the patient), and my family. She is clearly skilled and competent in her profession but that is not the reason I am nominating her. The state of my father’s mind is that of a slightly coherent vegetable and despite finding himself in numerous situations that are humiliating and far from graceful, Michelle consistently treated him with respect, restored his dignity, and reminded him that he is human.

For example, he defecated all over himself and his surroundings in a failed attempt to reach the bathroom. Michelle cleaned him up, the room, was kind to him the whole time, and made sure that he was comfortable and back in bed. She is also able to pick up on the slightest non-verbal cues to anticipate his needs. Such as, seeing him grimace at the IV after his channel was changed earlier in the day. She seems genuinely concerned and always attentive to his feedback.

Michelle is always willing to take time out of her busy schedule to address my concerns and questions and those of my family. My mother knows Michelle by name and adores her, which is not an easy feat. Outstanding People deserve Outstanding Recognition. The entire time that my dad was in her care, I felt peace and confidence that he was in good hands and when her shift ended, I found myself anxious. That is no knock on her successors; it only highlights how spectacular Michelle was at her job. Which I strongly suspect, is more to her than just a job.