I flew to Minnesota from Montana to have a surgery performed that was unable to be done where I live in Montana. Mikaelyn was one of the nurses who cared for me during my stay. I also had to be flown back to Minnesota from Montana for complications related to the same surgery and was lucky enough to have Mikaelyn care for me a second time during my second stay. 

Mikaelyn’s nursing care was incredible in so many ways, and I always felt very safe and taken care of in her hands. However, the first time she cared for me, it wasn’t only her nursing care, personality, and true authenticity that made me want to recognize her, but it was how amazing of a preceptor she was that made me want to nominate her for this amazing award. There are not many nurses who are great teachers or who make others feel comfortable in a learning environment. Being a nurse myself, I could recognize right away what an amazing teacher and preceptor Mikaelyn was, and I could tell that the nursing student following her was getting the most incredible hands-on and verbal instruction.

Anyone could see that the student felt comfortable, and Mikaelyn made her feel at ease when asking questions or asking for advice. Never once did it look as though the student felt alone. Mikaelyn never left her side, yet let her have all the hands-on experience that was appropriate. By the end of the day, the nursing student had confidence and was able to perform tasks and check on me all on her own! She was such an incredible teacher that it had me smiling and feeling so thankful for Mikaelyn both as a nurse and as a nurse educator. I was even learning things from Mikaelyn’s instruction which I am always happy to do!

The second time I returned to Abbott Northwestern Hospital was under different circumstances. I was in a lot of pain and not feeling well at all. Mikaelyn remembered me right away and was very protective of my care. She picked right back up where she left off with the teacher piece of nursing and made sure that the RN she was instructing was doing things correctly. It was also very nice to see a friendly face during such an emotionally and physically difficult time. 

Mikaelyn is friendly and kind, and I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to benefit from her remarkable care. Abbott Northwestern is blessed to have Mikaelyn both working for them and teaching in their hospital. Mikaelyn, thank you for everything you did for me while I was in your care.

You made a huge difference in my stay at your hospital. My husband and I both appreciate your kind heart and how you treated us both during our stay.