Myke Munz
December 2013
Michael
Munz
,
RN
Emergency Department
Swedish Medical Center/Ballard
Seattle
,
WA
United States

 

 

 

Myke is an extraordinary, compassionate, calm healer. He always has a joyous sparkle in his eye as he applies his incredible empathy, skill and knowledge. I regularly see the fear and worry that often surrounds our patients melt away as Myke, with gentleness of hand and spirit reassures and leads them to understanding and comfort.

A patient came to our ER recently with ETOH intoxication and a fall. We see a lot of these patients; no homes to rest and feel comfort, no clean clothes to feel dignified, no shelter or respite from the elements both physical and emotional. They come to us most of the time not really knowing what they need; their moods and behaviors not pleasant in any way, shape or form. There is the potential and natural inclination to get frustrated, aggravated, be judgmental or lack understanding, but that is not in Myke's repertoire.

With his compassion, skill and expertise, Myke assesses and determines that this patient is exhibiting signs of stroke. In Myke's caring and expert nursing hands, the patient receives the care and treatment he needs and with cutting edge medication therapy, his stroke symptoms began to improve.

Myke's exceptional clinical skill is coupled with the fact that he is an absolute compassionate caregiver. He sees patients in his everyday work as individuals deserving of the very best care. His calm demeanor and honesty eases their anxiety and fear of uncertainty with their illness. He communicates not as a clinician, but as an empathic person who understands what it is to be in their shoes. He listens, he is attentive and is always ready to advocate for his patients.

Patients and families whom Myke had cared for have spoken of their positive experience and expressed very satisfying and excellent patient care. It is his compassion, kindness and caring that is their final impression. Myke is an exceptional nurse who exemplifies the core values of quality nursing with his kindness, caring, dedication, and respect to human dignity. When one questions why they became a nurse they look at Myke. When one wonders how to handle a difficult patient issue they look at Myke. When one considers how to be a better teammate they look at Myke.

Many patients, families and nurses have been deeply, positively affected by him and we are blessed that he is a member of the Ballard ED team.