Michael Garske
November 2015
Michael
Garske
,
BSN, RN
Neuro ICU
University of Wisconsin Health
Madison
,
WI
United States
Michael was inspirational, motivated, and clear. Those are the three adjectives our family member pointed to using a communication board when asked for input on this DAISY Award nomination. I was talking about the great nursing care in Neuro Intensive Care unit when my nephew agreed that Michael Gaske is worth of the DAISY Award.
Shortly before official completion of a graduate degree in communication, my nephew suffered symptoms of a stroke and was admitted to the Neuro Intensive Care. This was a second "lightning strike" in his life, as he had received extensive treatment for a brain tumor 11 years earlier. His initial symptoms were worrisome, but an early setback caused further concern when he lost his ability to speak. Both my nephew and his family became more worried and lost some optimism about his recovery.
On a day when our moods could only be described as "dreary", Michael decided that someone needed to talk to all of us. He came into my nephew's room and spent about a half an hour talking about my nephew's condition. He expressed his strong belief that my nephew would recover. He also spoke realistically about what recovery would entail. He also talked about how small, but gradual improvement will likely occur and what my nephew could do to help with that.
Michael's "speech" gave his family an enormous sense of relief and renewed optimism. My nephew gave a "thumbs up" when asked later if he felt more optimistic.
Michael was also an important patient advocate. When insertion of a feeding tube was delayed, he intervened to see that the procedure was done so my nephew would not lose more weight and would get the benefit of balanced nutrition.
Even when Michael was doing routine nursing care, his presence at the bedside left his family feeling that my nephew was in the good hands of an experienced and caring nurse. We appreciate all of the nursing and medical care that was provided in the unit. We especially think that Michael's unique ability to help "turn things around" for the patient and family deserves the honor of the DAIST Award.
Shortly before official completion of a graduate degree in communication, my nephew suffered symptoms of a stroke and was admitted to the Neuro Intensive Care. This was a second "lightning strike" in his life, as he had received extensive treatment for a brain tumor 11 years earlier. His initial symptoms were worrisome, but an early setback caused further concern when he lost his ability to speak. Both my nephew and his family became more worried and lost some optimism about his recovery.
On a day when our moods could only be described as "dreary", Michael decided that someone needed to talk to all of us. He came into my nephew's room and spent about a half an hour talking about my nephew's condition. He expressed his strong belief that my nephew would recover. He also spoke realistically about what recovery would entail. He also talked about how small, but gradual improvement will likely occur and what my nephew could do to help with that.
Michael's "speech" gave his family an enormous sense of relief and renewed optimism. My nephew gave a "thumbs up" when asked later if he felt more optimistic.
Michael was also an important patient advocate. When insertion of a feeding tube was delayed, he intervened to see that the procedure was done so my nephew would not lose more weight and would get the benefit of balanced nutrition.
Even when Michael was doing routine nursing care, his presence at the bedside left his family feeling that my nephew was in the good hands of an experienced and caring nurse. We appreciate all of the nursing and medical care that was provided in the unit. We especially think that Michael's unique ability to help "turn things around" for the patient and family deserves the honor of the DAIST Award.