Michele Gross
May 2022
Michele
Gross
,
RN
ED/Infusion Clinic
Lexington VA Health Care System
Lexington
,
KY
United States
Michele made a special connection with me because of what she did, and the manner in which she did it.
There is no shortage of shining stars at the Lexington VA. But when I thought about nominating Nurse Michele Gross for The DAISY Award, I thought of this one particular star called Sirius. It's the brightest star in the sky, and it reminds me of Michele Gross, a bright and shining star indeed. That's why I'm nominating her for this well-deserved award.
On my first visit to receive immunotherapy, Nurse Michele noticed my angst feeling and quickly focused on me. She was more aware and attuned to my emotional and mental health than I think I was. She recommended a doctor come and see me immediately. Just from her talking to me and asking me specific questions. I noticed she had intuition and extraordinary skills. It takes a really getting involved with a patient, and she had the social skill to make me feel comfortable, while similarly, she did not seem awkward in her discussion with me. She performed exceedingly well, and with a high quality of dignity towards me. She was persuasive, but not aggressive. It seemed so natural for her. No doubt, it's because she enjoys her job, and indeed, she loves providing healthcare to veterans. She's amazingly authentic---not a great pretender, and she made a special connection with me because of what she did, and the manner in which she did it.
After several experiences with her during my infusions that she provides, her instructions to me as far as what I needed to do and what I needed to know were explicitly coherent and graspable, and at the same time, straightforward. Nurse Michele's positive demeanor is a bridge to authenticity. She is REAL! There are Shakers and Makers, and there are Busy Bees and Fakers. Nurse Michele is the former. While she is self-assured, she is not self-assuming, While she portrays self confidence, she does not have an exaggerated sense of self-importance. I have personally experienced her stellar care during the several visits to receive immunotherapy, as well as observing the great care she gives the other patients. Michele can talk to a patient or another nurse and give medicine at the same time. I've also seen how she interacts with the other staff; everything is so smooth.
Another meaningful event was when she heard I was afraid of getting stuck with needles. She told me I could have a port installed which would alleviate the needle nightmare. That was a really big deal for me because I am so uncomfortable when it comes to needles. While she maintains a high level of professionalism, her treatment of me seems personal, and she makes me feel special. For example, before leaving, she always asks me if there is anything else she can do for me: and she tells me if I need anything, just let her know. She never fails to ask if I would like a blanket and when I call to want to talk to her she's prompt to get with me.
She clearly works well with other disciplinarians of the health care team because one time I called her to ask about some medicine, and when she couldn't give me a complete answer, I thought she would instruct me to call the pharmacist, but she didn't. Instead, she called the pharmacy and talked to them on my behalf. She also worked the logistics out so I could visit my son in Colorado and not miss my infusions and she coordinated with the department.
In closing, I've been receiving healthcare at the Lexington VA for 20 years now, which includes several in patient stays, and I could never ask for any higher quality care with such a great outcome as what Nurse Michele Gross provides! Her high standards of compassion, commitment, and professionalism have not gone unnoticed, and that's why Nurse Michele Gross is a true DAISY Nurse.
On my first visit to receive immunotherapy, Nurse Michele noticed my angst feeling and quickly focused on me. She was more aware and attuned to my emotional and mental health than I think I was. She recommended a doctor come and see me immediately. Just from her talking to me and asking me specific questions. I noticed she had intuition and extraordinary skills. It takes a really getting involved with a patient, and she had the social skill to make me feel comfortable, while similarly, she did not seem awkward in her discussion with me. She performed exceedingly well, and with a high quality of dignity towards me. She was persuasive, but not aggressive. It seemed so natural for her. No doubt, it's because she enjoys her job, and indeed, she loves providing healthcare to veterans. She's amazingly authentic---not a great pretender, and she made a special connection with me because of what she did, and the manner in which she did it.
After several experiences with her during my infusions that she provides, her instructions to me as far as what I needed to do and what I needed to know were explicitly coherent and graspable, and at the same time, straightforward. Nurse Michele's positive demeanor is a bridge to authenticity. She is REAL! There are Shakers and Makers, and there are Busy Bees and Fakers. Nurse Michele is the former. While she is self-assured, she is not self-assuming, While she portrays self confidence, she does not have an exaggerated sense of self-importance. I have personally experienced her stellar care during the several visits to receive immunotherapy, as well as observing the great care she gives the other patients. Michele can talk to a patient or another nurse and give medicine at the same time. I've also seen how she interacts with the other staff; everything is so smooth.
Another meaningful event was when she heard I was afraid of getting stuck with needles. She told me I could have a port installed which would alleviate the needle nightmare. That was a really big deal for me because I am so uncomfortable when it comes to needles. While she maintains a high level of professionalism, her treatment of me seems personal, and she makes me feel special. For example, before leaving, she always asks me if there is anything else she can do for me: and she tells me if I need anything, just let her know. She never fails to ask if I would like a blanket and when I call to want to talk to her she's prompt to get with me.
She clearly works well with other disciplinarians of the health care team because one time I called her to ask about some medicine, and when she couldn't give me a complete answer, I thought she would instruct me to call the pharmacist, but she didn't. Instead, she called the pharmacy and talked to them on my behalf. She also worked the logistics out so I could visit my son in Colorado and not miss my infusions and she coordinated with the department.
In closing, I've been receiving healthcare at the Lexington VA for 20 years now, which includes several in patient stays, and I could never ask for any higher quality care with such a great outcome as what Nurse Michele Gross provides! Her high standards of compassion, commitment, and professionalism have not gone unnoticed, and that's why Nurse Michele Gross is a true DAISY Nurse.