Michael Norwood
August 2024
Michael
Norwood
,
RN
PCU
SGMC Health Main
Valdosta
,
GA
United States
Mike, I know nursing is hard; the days can be long, and there are many sacrifices. But rest assured, you are doing exactly what you are meant to be doing.
My grandmother was admitted to 2T recently for a week and unfortunately passed away during her stay. Michael was her nurse for many of those days and during the most difficult days when she was placed on comfort care measures. On one of her most difficult days, she was inconsolable. Mike knew just what to do. He closed the shades, he dimmed the lights, and he sang “Amazing Grace” to calm her. My grandmother was dearly loved and there were no less than 20 family members at her bedside during her final hours. Mike not only cared for her but cared for us all by always asking if we needed anything such as a blanket, something to drink, anything. I know it can be intimidating when 20 family members are watching you administer medications and asking questions, but Mike was always willing to be conversational with all of us and answer any questions we might have. He would say things like, “I can feel the immense amount of love in this room.” He also knew when we needed some humor during those hard times and would say things like, “Just when I thought this was a big family, y’all found a baby!” when my cousin came to visit and brought her baby to visit.
It did not matter if it was the beginning or end of his 12-hour shift (more like 14-hour), the first or last shift of the week, Mike always had a smile on his face and made us feel like we were the only and most important patient and family on that unit. Mike is an outstanding nurse not only in his nursing skills and patient/family communication but, most importantly, with his compassionate care. When I told my family I was going to nominate him for the DAISY Award, they all wanted to write in to make sure he received it! Give this man a DAISY!
As Mike signed off for his last shift of the week, he said, “I will be praying for you all, and I love you guys.” Mike has known us for less than seven days, but he sure felt like part of the family. We are forever grateful for his compassionate care for my grandmother during her final days.
Mike, I know nursing is hard; the days can be long, and there are many sacrifices. But rest assured, you are doing exactly what you are meant to be doing. You have been a blessing to our family, and there will be many jewels on your crown. Thank you to all of 2T (and many others I do not mean to exclude) for the excellent care we received.
It did not matter if it was the beginning or end of his 12-hour shift (more like 14-hour), the first or last shift of the week, Mike always had a smile on his face and made us feel like we were the only and most important patient and family on that unit. Mike is an outstanding nurse not only in his nursing skills and patient/family communication but, most importantly, with his compassionate care. When I told my family I was going to nominate him for the DAISY Award, they all wanted to write in to make sure he received it! Give this man a DAISY!
As Mike signed off for his last shift of the week, he said, “I will be praying for you all, and I love you guys.” Mike has known us for less than seven days, but he sure felt like part of the family. We are forever grateful for his compassionate care for my grandmother during her final days.
Mike, I know nursing is hard; the days can be long, and there are many sacrifices. But rest assured, you are doing exactly what you are meant to be doing. You have been a blessing to our family, and there will be many jewels on your crown. Thank you to all of 2T (and many others I do not mean to exclude) for the excellent care we received.