I am a nurse who works opposite shifts from Mihoko. Mihoko works overnights, but the amount of compassion, care, and knowledge she has for each of her patients would make you think they spent days or even weeks together. I am always so happy when I find out that Mihoko is going to be the nurse for the night, or was the nurse the following night. I am confident that the family has been deeply cared for.
I have a particular example that stood out to me this past week. A newly diagnosed diabetic child and his mother were going through education for managing diabetes. His mother has baseline challenges with math and reading. This mother had many great teachers from the sixth-floor staff, but I truly believe that it all clicked when Mihoko took over the evening before their discharge. Mihoko identified the calculation challenges, and together she and this mother came up with a system of shapes and prompts that would help the mother recognize what numbers she needed to add, when to divide, and how to portion. By the time I took over at 7 am, this mother had identified the correct amount of carbohydrates and calculated the amount of insulin her son would need. She did all of this by utilizing a special key that Mihoko made for her. What was especially touching about this moment was how empowered this mother felt by accomplishing a math problem that she likely has never been able to do before. Her son too, the patient, cheered for her and was using the sheets as well to help calculate.
That's what is so special about Mihoko, not only does she provide compassionate care, she empowers every single person in the room. I am so impressed by her kindness and quiet strength. We are SO lucky to have her each and every night. Mihoko is a true night shift hero and a DAISY Nurse!