Michael
Lachance
March 2015
Michael
Lachance
,
RN
Surgical Telemetry Unit (STU)
Glendale Adventist Medical Center
Glendale
,
CA
United States

 

 

 

My wife and I were impressed by the helpfulness & competence of all the staff. However, of those who served my needs, Michael stood out. A couple of examples: After realizing that a standard O2 cannula wasn't going to be effective because of being a mouth breather, Michael obtained a full nose-mouth mask which solved the problem. However, after 3 days I noticed a chemical taste in my mouth from the mask, seeming to come from some kind of out-gassing of the mask plastic. Michael also smelled it and pulled a new mask from stock. It too had a strong chemical odor, so Michael set out to see if he could find another manufacturer's mask in stock, but there was none. In another situation, I was given a new Rx. I asked about the side effects. Michael researched the item on his computer and gave us a complete recitation of the side effects, assuring us there would likely be no problems. Michael continued to go the extra mile in a number of instances, and we were grateful for his willingness to do all that he could to satisfy any concerns we might have.

...

Recently I was hospitalized at Adventist with shoulder dislocation & painful knee injury, a very painful experience. My stay was more tolerable because of Michael. Others were also great, but he exceeded expectations. He responded to my pain and discomfort quickly and took proper steps to relieve the condition promptly. Besides being professional and good at his craft, his sense of humor kept me smiling all four days. Thank you, Michael, for all your TLC!

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Michael took exceptional care of my 89 year old father hospitalized for terminal cancer, pneumonia, and a UTI. In addition to speaking to the patient in a friendly, respectful tone, he was extremely compassionate to me as I grieved the impending loss of my father. When I cried, he gave me a hug. After a huge scare, Michael told me to take a walk outside while he took care of my dad. He explained the medical situation to me in terms I would understand, and had a hunch about the source of my dad's infection that turned out to be correct, speeding up the process of treating it. I feel he is one of those rare people who is called to be nurse - his integrity and caring nature made such an impression on me and my whole family. Michael is more than kind and professional. He is uniquely intelligent. He understands seniors and communicates very well.

...

I nominate Michael. I arrived to see my dad who was hospitalized. When I got there, I was told the news by the oncologist that my dad's cancer had spread to his lungs and a vein close to his heart; that he was at Stage 4 and there was no cure and no estimate of time of how long he would live. Nurse Michael was present when we got the news. He was very empathetic; he gave all of us a hug of support, he offered to set up a consultation with the social worker and hospice visit. He knew I had taken two days off work to try to do as much as I could, and he constantly checked on my dad and our family, and made sure I received all the information I needed. He was like an angel sent of God, saying things will be okay; he was like a guiding hand. He was very friendly, attentive, caring, and he came quickly when needed. I know or can imagine being a nurse is a lot of work, and Michael worked with so much energy and care. I think he deserves the DAISY Award to reward such commitment and care.

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From his early days on STU, Michael had shown his passion for nursing and for being a patient advocate. His priorities continue to be the ability to manage tasks, critical thinking, and being the kind and loving nurse he wants to be. Over the years, Michael has proven himself to be a dedicated nurse and an excellent communicator. Rounding on Michael's patients is a living testimony and honest validation to excellent care and patient experience. All patients under his care admit to fully understanding their plan of care and having full confidence and trust in him as their nurse. Patient family members also acknowledge reduced anxiety, thanks to Michael's consistent delivery of excellent care with concern and appreciation.



Thank you Michael for your engagement. Your communication reduces anxiety and builds trust, it creates a framework that improves patient's perception of their care. That is what helps patients, families and visitors better understand and appreciate our role as nurses.