As soon as I met Michelle I knew that she was going to take my treatment seriously because it was clear as day on her face, voice, and body language that she genuinely cared about me and the course of my treatment. Whenever she called the doctors to express a concern and the doctors wanted to come to my room, she always entered with them just so I knew I had her as an advocate. Her medication was always on time, and she always came in just to say hi and see if there was anything she could do to make me more comfortable. I looked forward to waking up to her every single day being my nurse. She played a major role in my detoxing process and helped me beyond words. I appreciate her.
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I was at another hospital for a gall bladder removal. Because of complications I needed to have an ERCP done and was transferred to NMC San Diego where I stayed for a week. There were some things that were overlooked or not done as far as optimal care at the last hospital and when I got to NMC San Diego I wasn't sure what to expect. I saw a bunch of different people during my stay, too many at times with conflicting information, but when Michelle came on duty it was a completely different experience.
She was so thorough with her assessments when asking me what had been going on. When I told her of some things I was unhappy about she didn't dismiss me but listened and took action. I had not been offered a bath or shower, had blood on my gown that had not been changed and on my linens. When I told her she was appalled and said, "Not on MY watch!" She got me all cleaned up and I was checked on many times during my stay. I felt like I was being treated by a family member and that I was really important to her. I cannot stress how comforting that is.
As a patient, we don't always know what to say, how to ask for things or advocate for ourselves. With Michelle as my caregiver I felt at ease knowing she had me covered. She relayed all my concerns to the doctors and other entities on 5W and followed up with me to make sure action was taken and I was satisfied. She informed me of my tests and explained what things meant. She did this all with a caring positive attitude.
I believe that half of a patient's ability to heal is connected to how they feel emotionally and mentally. If they feel comfortable, cared for, and informed their anxiety and stress is lessened and they heal better. I know that Michelle Corcoran exemplifies the model caregiver and I wish every patient who enters a hospital would have someone like her in charge of their care. You are lucky to have her. Thank you.