Mike not only is a very strong clinical nurse, with excellent assessment skills and critical thinking, but he truly exemplifies the best of the best in ALL areas of nursing -including the difficult areas to maintain daily, regardless of the situation. These are patience, compassion, empathy, and integrity. Just recently Mike cared for Mrs. V, a patient with an extensive history of problems, including chronic opioid use, and was requiring intense amounts of time and energy from all the staff, most especially her nurses. I had been used to having her call the front desk multiple times an hour, despite frequent rounding and close attention to her needs by all staff, as well as her family wanting updates and questions answered.

This day I happened to be charge and was surprised to see she was not calling throughout the day. Late in the afternoon, I was walking down the hallway and observed Mike in her room, interacting with both Mrs. V and her son as he performed his tasks. The patient's son was a little upset, not aware of the plan of care, and asked multiple questions at the same time as the patient was needing attention for her pain and her pain pump was alarming. To watch Mike calmly and reassuringly talk to the son, answering all his questions without hesitation while also attending to the PCA pump and making sure Mrs. V knew he was addressing her pain needs was a finely tuned balancing act! As well, his calm demeanor made both the son and the patient feel safe and secure, knowing he was in charge.

Mike has a background in theological studies - and it shines through in his interactions with patients, families, and staff. I have NEVER seen him flustered or hurried even in the toughest of situations. This facet of his personality flows over into his relationships with his colleagues. He is a resource for all nurses and has shown a strong aptitude for education and precepting new nurses. Mike continually accepts more responsibilities. He recently passed his CRM training, became certified to give chemotherapy, and was more than willing to jump in and cover the front desk when he was needed. He is extremely supportive of the staff. Mike listens when you talk to him, he is respectful and responsive. He has become such an asset on our floor. Doctors have been heard praising Mike. Over and over, I am told by patients how wonderful Mike is and how safe they have felt in his care. Michael Bautista is a solid example of an Extraordinary Nurse.