As a manager and/or educator I have always believed that caring for the nurses will translate to excellent patient care. Michelle is an outstanding clinical nurse and has demonstrated her commitment to excellent patient care by providing education for the nurses in her department and in the critical care arena as a whole. She is a lecturer in the critical care fellowship. She assists with specialty education such as balloon pump. She has provided classes for CCU-CVICU cross training. She is the primary preceptor for CVICU and fulfilled the same role in CCU. She recently delivered part of a Lunch and Learn program to share information from a recent AACN conference.

Michelle's presentations are based on current evidence and she maintains membership in AACN and attends many of their educational programs to stay updated. She has her CCRN certification and provides information to other nurses seeking to become certified. She is currently studying for her Master's in nursing education and to take the CSN certification - a sub specialty credential available only CCRNs.

Michelle has been performing at such a high level for so long that it's easy just to take it for granted. During the last month alone, Michelle has presented or assisted with presenting 6 different times that I am aware of. Did I mention that she is also participating in the Teaching Institute?

When I think about the future of nursing education after I retire next year, I am confident that Michelle will maintain the highest standards, whether in her current role, or as Clinical Education Specialist.