Michael Garske
October 2015
Michael
Garske
,
BSN, RN
Neuro ICU
UW Health
Madison
,
WI
United States
Michael acted with all the skill, gentleness, respect, and consideration that we have repeatedly experienced here at UW - only more so and beyond the ordinary. His demeanor was warm without being invasive; he was extraordinary in emanating a positive aura that lifted us up from shock. Without suffocating us (the degree is so important), he answered endless questions respectfully and thoroughly. When I (the support person) had to leave to feed the animals, Michael updated me by phone several times. He anticipated both comfort issues and practical needs. Amazingly, he made us feel that the outcome of this surgery really mattered to him. Beyond support however, it was clear to us that he is extremely competent. Finally, he educated us about what each next step would look like and what aspects we might find surprising and frightening. Forewarned was forearmed. Our thanks to Michael for holding us up through the storm. We are humbled by so many excellent staff here at UW, and even among them, he stands out.
...
As our large family anxiously waited for my husband's return from a long day of surgery, Michael gave us thorough updates to help reassure our fears and worries. He gave clear details on what was happening and why, which helped set expectations appropriately. He also put my husband at ease and was an encouragement to him to push himself for improved recovery. He's extremely thorough and thoughtful in his approach with patients and their families. He's great at what he does and it should be recognized and appreciated.
...
Being his father and stepmom, the anxiety over our son's symptoms and subsequent diagnosis was overwhelming. We researched it a via the internet, however, there was still so much uncertainty. We arrived at the hospital in time to see him before he was taken to surgery. The periodic updates from Dr. B's team were encouraging; however, we didn't know exactly what was happening. Our large group eventually moved to the ICU waiting area where we met Neuro ICU nurse Michael Garske. Michael read our son's chart and explained everything in layperson's terms. He began with basic physiological information before moving to the surgery. Michael then remained in direct contact with the surgical team and provided more frequent updates. He constantly asked how we were doing and answered all of our questions with such positivism. He had an answer for every question. Even when we asked about the possible setbacks and 'what could go wrong', his explanations gave us such confidence that all would be well in the end. We have never experienced this level of care before and feel that Michael should be recognized for going above and beyond. As a side note: We were also impressed by his ability to remain cheerful through the final minutes of his long shift, and he has remarkable crowd control abilities.
...
As our large family anxiously waited for my husband's return from a long day of surgery, Michael gave us thorough updates to help reassure our fears and worries. He gave clear details on what was happening and why, which helped set expectations appropriately. He also put my husband at ease and was an encouragement to him to push himself for improved recovery. He's extremely thorough and thoughtful in his approach with patients and their families. He's great at what he does and it should be recognized and appreciated.
...
Being his father and stepmom, the anxiety over our son's symptoms and subsequent diagnosis was overwhelming. We researched it a via the internet, however, there was still so much uncertainty. We arrived at the hospital in time to see him before he was taken to surgery. The periodic updates from Dr. B's team were encouraging; however, we didn't know exactly what was happening. Our large group eventually moved to the ICU waiting area where we met Neuro ICU nurse Michael Garske. Michael read our son's chart and explained everything in layperson's terms. He began with basic physiological information before moving to the surgery. Michael then remained in direct contact with the surgical team and provided more frequent updates. He constantly asked how we were doing and answered all of our questions with such positivism. He had an answer for every question. Even when we asked about the possible setbacks and 'what could go wrong', his explanations gave us such confidence that all would be well in the end. We have never experienced this level of care before and feel that Michael should be recognized for going above and beyond. As a side note: We were also impressed by his ability to remain cheerful through the final minutes of his long shift, and he has remarkable crowd control abilities.