Michelle did a fantastic job of advocating for me as a patient. She pushed and advocated for me when it came to trying to get my insulins (Toujeo and Apidra) due to me not reacting well with the preservatives in the other insulins and regular insulins as pharmacy referred). She was the only one keeping me informed of any treatment plan, testing, and above all listening to me as a patient. Despite the failures of other departments, Michelle continued to advocate for me and address concerns such as hand/arm swelling of left hand irritated by IV placement; ordering soup when made aware of my dinner being high carbs; showing care and concerns when I wanted to be more mobile 1 day post TPH; supporting my decision of wanting to leave AMA and employed negotiating skills to where I agreed to stay until receiving MRI or at least play by ear; she has been the primary person on the medical team that has provided the appropriate level of care but vastly exceeding her role requirements of patient care, showing compassion, advocating, listening, and doing her best with multiple departments failing. She is a perfect example of whom a nurse should be, providing patient care, and going above and beyond advocating for her patient.

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I am not a nurse, not even close. I am scared of many “medical” things, and that is why I can express my point of view on this amazing profession as a simple human. Being a nurse means not only being professional in your skills and treating your patients with kindness, respect, and compassion but also being a good human. One story, in particular, has really touched my heart. My husband has been a patient in the Reno VA ICU for longer than most would like to be. The last day my husband enjoyed outside weather was February, and now it is the middle of April, and you can only imagine my husband’s feelings when he was able to see April’s blue sky, blooming trees, and flowers outside! What an amazing moment of brightness in his dim time of fighting for his life! That was just a moment, just 5 minutes outside, but that moment was priceless! That was a moment of motivation to move on! Michelle (our lovely Texas girl) is one of the kindest, most caring nurses I have ever met. She not only took excellent care of my husband but also gave him a gift of hope! I would like to recognize her for all her hard work and the humanity that she brings to people around her. Michelle demonstrates to me what it is to be a DAISY Nurse!