Nursing is more than a profession for Michele Keesling, R.N. - it's a life calling and something she wanted to do since she was a young girl. Growing up, her mother was a nursing assistant and she spent many hours as a child volunteering at her job. "My passion for the profession started when I was just 7 years old," said Michele. "Even years later, I love making a difference in the lives of patients."

For the past two years, she has worked as a chemotherapy nurse in the Infusion Center at LewisGale Hospital Pulaski. She is also the Palliative Care Coordinator for the hospital. Michele is so respected among the staff and so loved by her patients that she has been nominated four times for the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses.

"Michele exemplifies compassion, empathy and sensitivity through her contact with patients," said Linda Shepherd, B.S.N., Chief Nursing Officer. "Her knowledge base and attention to detail along with her vast experience culminates in high-quality care for all those she serves."

"Michele is not only a dedicated R.N., she is dedicated to our community," said Marsha Myers, M.B.A., C.M.D., R.T.T., Director of LewisGale Regional Cancer Center Pulaski. "She is an inspiration and continues to make our profession the best it can be." Michele is also an Associate Minister at Turkey Knob Church and serves as the church nurse, regularly visiting the sick and shut-in the congregation. She is also pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Liberty University and is expected to graduate in May of 2013.