Michelle was the charge nurse on the day we terminally weaned a patient. She went above and beyond to ensure both the patient and family were cared for, this included finding a wireless/Bluetooth speaker for the patient so he could listen to his favorite songs as he passed. This is one small example of the many extraordinary behaviors that make me proud to work alongside her in the CVICU. She initiated the pause, obtained a comfort tray and reached out to all the nurses to ensure that they were okay after he died. This act of extraordinary grace and compassion exemplifies all of our core values. She acted in reverence and showed respect to the patient, family, and nurses of the unit. She pursued justice by ensuring the care was to the highest standards; she provided excellence by tracking down a speaker and making sure we listened to the family and their wishes; finally, she compassionately cared for the staff and family as they mourned the death of a patient. Her ongoing attributes and behaviors truly make her the spirit of the unit.
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My husband recently had coronary bypass surgery. The whole staff was very caring. We had Michelle as our nurse in CVICU. She was so compassionate, considerate and very helpful. Seeing my husband on a ventilator was pretty scary. She answered all the many questions we had and was so caring. She made us feel very comfortable and at ease letting us know someone would be with my husband through the night. Thank God for her. I can't praise her enough. Mercy is very fortunate to have her.