I have a very close friend who called me to let me know his brother was in our ICU. He needed some encouragement and answers to his questions. I met him at the ICU and went to see his brother with him to help explain what was going on and offer support. I have been a nurse at MVH for 20 years and he looks to me for the approval of what is going on with his family.
I was blessed to meet a nurse named Michelle Vanderbrink. She introduced herself to both the family member and me. She explained everything to him as I just stood there for support. She was so articulate and took the time to explain what was happening and answer all of the questions about his brother’s care and condition. She made me so proud to be her peer here at MVH. I could not have explained or put him at ease any better than she did that day.
She treated the patient as if he were her only one and I know that was not the case. She made the family feel that their loved one was her priority in every way. I could tell she probably does this with all of her patients. She did the “old school” nursing as she described it and I could relate in so many ways. She shaved him, washed his hair and bathed him with the hands of an angel. I wanted to let you know that she is why we at MVH give the quality of care we give. She lives it, breathes it and it shows. As I witnessed his care, I could encourage the family that he was in great hands. Michelle was definitely the advocate every patient and family needs.
I have always been proud to work at MVH and I could not have been any prouder that day when I left that her patient was getting the care he needed from Michelle. I watched Michelle and remembered what a great bedside nurse looks like and I was humbled.
Please know that you have an “angel” on your unit who goes above and beyond. Her peers, patients and families noticed on that day and were grateful for her nursing abilities.