Michael Worden has changed the manner in which we care for patients with severe lung disease. He has generated an unofficial protocol for the early mobilization of patients still mechanically ventilated and has been instrumental in improving patient care. He also is a genuinely caring man and a nurse whose patients and families have identified as standing out from his peers in terms of his professionalism, caring, advocacy and kindness. He does so with his seemingly effortless manner which belies the effort that he makes in patient care.
Mike is incredibly kind, enthusiastic, gives exceptional care, and is a pleasure to work with. He is exemplary in mobilizing critical care patients when they are ready to do so. He enthusiastically helps ICU patients into a chair, walks them as soon as possible, and has even walked a selected ventilated patient. He has inspired others to do the same.
Mike is a dedicated team member who works hard to make sure every detail is attended to. He has inspired his colleagues to mobilize bedridden patients early and often. He routinely gets ventilated patients out of bed. These patients are so much stronger after he has cared for them. He interacts with families well. Several families bonded with him while he was caring for their loved ones with H1N1 flu. He is an expert at caring for patients requiring a rotoprone bed. And he is also fun to work with.
Mike goes above and beyond his duties. The staff have even named his approach to patient care. One day, one of the physicians had come on the floor requesting the patient to get out of bed and into a cardiac chair but rather than stating the request this way, it was "the patient needs Mike therapy". Mike's approach to nursing has been to get the patient out of bed and moving, the sooner the better. He has been a role model on the unit for the rest of us in our patient care. The patients and the families have greatly benefitted from receiving "Mike Therapy".
In addition to having superb clinical skills, Mike is an extraordinarily caring man. His approach to patients is to see the patient in totality, addressing not only the patient's medical needs, but also addressing emotional and other issues. He has a profound respect for patients and their families and is able to bring enormous influence on patients' outcomes with his calm reassuring approach.