Michelle is a very committed team member. She has been the manager of her unit for the past 2 ½ years and has been an asset to the team. She is selfless when it comes to employees and dedication to work. She has led their own unit, while simultaneously covering other units; all the while building engagement with her team. Michelle is constantly doing special things to recognize the staff on the unit including personalized bags, water bottles, etc…or even as simple as candy and beads to wear for St. Patrick’s Day. She always looks for ways to get staff involved and is very active in participating in fun events in the hospital making sure her staff is engaged. Michelle is the first to volunteer for new projects, especially ones geared to make the workplace safer for her employees.

One example of her true dedication came during the blusteriest snowstorm of the decade. Like so many others, the unit found itself in a staffing crisis. Census was at capacity and the call ins were coming in due to the inclement weather. Although everyone in the hospital was working tirelessly to help provide staff, the need was great everywhere. As the day progressed, the unit was left with only 1 nurse to cover the entire unit! Michelle immediately leaped into action. She reached out to the nurses who called in and stated they could come to pick them up if needed.

A Canadian nurse responded stating she was worried about driving and would accept a ride from someone. Michelle got into her 4x4 and headed toward the border. When she pulled up to the border crossing in near white-out conditions, Border Patrol asked for an enhanced license or passport. She had neither. In a calm and collected manner, she explained the staffing crisis and the officer let her through. Michelle was able to safely get to the nurse’s house and back to the hospital. Yes, there was another run-in with Border Control, and again, they graciously let her cross back into the States. It took her 4 hours round trip. When asked how the conditions were, she nonchalantly stated there were only 2 whiteouts and the roads were bad, but everyone was safe. On top of it all, she did not have cell phone service as she was out of the United States and relied only on her vehicle’s GPS.

Michelle clearly cares deeply for the unit, the team, and the patients. This story, along with many others, truly showcases this leader’s compassion. She is a true DAISY in the blizzard.