Josh Mickelson
September 2022
Josh
Mickelson
,
RN
Cardiac Cath Lab
UCHealth Medical Center of the Rockies
Loveland
,
CO
United States

 

 

 

This was not easy for me, but he helped make it manageable by talking with me.
I have undergone two procedures: a defibrillator battery replacement in 2021 and a left atrial appendage closure in September 2022. Both were similar in that the pre-op procedure involved placing EKG, blood pressure, and drip lines and extracting test tube blood samples. The post-op procedure involved incision and overall patient vital sign monitoring. Josh was my nurse for both procedures. His bedside manner is most impressive.

At the start of the second visit, he remembered me right away and asked how I had been doing. A gown, socks, and best of all heated blankets appeared and I was made comfortable in a hospital bed. While we chatted he drew some blood samples and I hardly noticed the vein puncture. In the past, I have had nurses unable to properly draw blood, so this was a treat. Josh clearly explained the various procedures that I would be undergoing and asked me to be patient as sometimes the timetable is "hurry up and wait." As we waited for the surgeons, we talked about our families and I learned more about his work with foster children. His compassion is not limited to his patients.

After the procedures, I awoke to Josh monitoring my vital signs. With an appendage closure, one must remain prone for 4 hours to allow the incision to start healing and the heart appendage plug to set. This was not easy for me, but he helped make it manageable by talking with me. He then helped me walk around the unit to make sure I was steady on my feet again. Once I was cleared to leave, Josh wheeled me to my car. I was under his care for about eight hours in total. Josh exhibited a high level of service to me through his excellent bedside manner and professionalism. He is a true DAISY Nurse.