Most patients in the operating room do not even know who their nurse is. Typically, these patients only see their nurse the day of surgery and then never see him or her again. Almost always, these patients are receiving their care while asleep or sedated. It is for this reason that I feel that I must speak up for the hundreds of patients that I've cared for with Michele Vissing.

She is a natural leader. Much of the care that she renders to patients involves keeping the entire operative team together, obtaining supplies, calling consultations, and dealing with surgeons (which can be terribly difficult). All of these organizational skills translate into exceptional care for our patients. My most recent example of her excellent care came while on call on a Saturday.

A patient had entered the operating room and was found to have a vascular transection requiring an emergent consultation from our vascular surgery service. This required obtaining equipment, ordering consults, and reassembling the room to allow for a swift vascular repair to occur. For many other operating personnel, this situation would have devolved into chaos. Michele relied on her nursing skills, her knowledge, and her level head to help the entire team deliver appropriate care to the patient. This was just one of many examples of Michelle being the high tide that raises every ship in the harbor.

It cannot be understated that the best care received by patients at the Chandler Medical Center in the operating room occurs when Michele Vissing is the circulating nurse. None of the patients in the operating room will know how truly outstanding she is. None of them will know the true privilege of having her as their nurse. However, the people who work with and for her admire her, respect her, and believe in her abilities as an exceptional nurse.