I met Michael Orr when I was first admitted to 8SA with a new diagnosis. I had experience as a caregiver for my parents but had no idea what to expect being a patient. Michael heard, with care and understanding, my goal of fighting this disease and returning home. He brought comfort to me as he explained things step-by-step. He taught me how to take care of myself, provided gentle coaching about what I needed to not do (such as not getting out of bed alone with low blood pressure), as well as about what I could do to be self-sufficient. Michael took care of me compassionately, competently, and without judgment. What I know is that nurses can "do nursing" or be a nurse. Michael is a nurse.
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Michael goes above and beyond the call of duty and shows unbelievable communication in answering all of our questions. He is extremely knowledgeable, detail oriented, kind, compassionate, and thorough. He has really helped me to find even a little bit of light and joy in such a dark time in my life. I can't thank him enough for his kindness; UWMC is lucky to have him