P-Passion/compassion for nursing and the care they provide: Mikala is very passionate about making sure every patient that is seen on our unit gets the best care. She stays up to date on all the latest research and continuously questions if we are providing the best evidence-based care. She listens and learns from other nurses, as well as makes sure they are informed of the current policies b procedures.
E-Excellence in the situation: Mikala is a wonderful nurse who gets patient recognition with almost every patient she takes care of. She has an easy communication flow with people and really bonds with each person based on their emotional and physical needs. It is quite a talent to be able to walk into a room and talk with a patient and family like they are old friends, making their whole hospital experience feel comforting; rather than stressful. Mikala is amazing this way, and the patient is not stressed with the million details of which Mikala is constantly aware. Mikala treats each patient and family member as if they were her own family or friend and patients recognize her routinely for her kindness and compassion as well as her great sense of humor and ability to make the patients comfortable emotionally and physically.
Mikala's knowledge of electronic fetal monitoring has kept many babies safe, as she intervenes timely for both mother and baby; preventing harm and/or C-section.
T-Trust (integrity) and teamwork of families, patients and peers: Mikala has 'saved' her co-workers so many times, I cannot count how often she has come in when called to help due to another labor walking in and no resource available. She comes in with that smile on her face and her infectious laughter. She is so easy to work with; and a great team member. She is committed to her unit and works to make us successful. She is active in the maternal child group for the whole division, keeping notes and passing along all the current education to our staff.
A-Admirable attributes possessed: Mikala is honest, kind, compassionate and dedicated to her patients and co-workers. She genuinely cares about others' happiness and will go out of her way to help anyone in need. When we had a night nurse become very ill and unable to work overnight, Mikala rearranged her schedule multiple times during the pregnancy to make sure the night nurse could work days and maintain her FTE (rather than lose her job) and also cover those now open shifts. It was not convenient to flip back and forth from days to nights, but Mikala never complained. She was just happy that she was able to help her friends. In the same year, another co-worker's son got cancer and she had to be absent for many shifts. Mikala again stepped up and filled many of these open shifts just for the good of our unit and her co-workers.
L-Love and Reverence for the patient and nursing: Mikala has genuine care and respect for all of her patients and those she works with. She brings so much joy to others around her, Mikala was called to be a nurse because of her personality; all of that kindness and compassion for others is the epitome of nursing.
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When I was in labor with my son, Mikala never left my side! She calmed my nerves and walked me through everything she would talk about so I could understand. She was right there when I would push the button and need something, even if it was a silly thing I needed. She made sure I was well taken care of and as comfortable as I could be. I am now pregnant with my second and I know when I go into labor I want Mikala to be my nurse again. She goes above and beyond, I couldn't have gotten through the painful moments without her. She was even there every second I needed something after delivering my son.