In April I had triple bypass open heart surgery at the Meijer Heart Center and recovered on the 7th floor. The nurse I remember most is Michelle. I had four drain tubes which made it difficult to breathe other than panting. On the first day, she encouraged me to begin walking no matter how short my breath was and to remember that as far as I went, I needed to make it back to my room, which made me smile. My wife would tell me to breathe in through my nose and out through my mouth. Unfortunately, my wife couldn’t be there with me all the time as she needed her rest also. This is where Michelle came in and constantly reminded me to breathe in through the nose and out through the mouth. On Thursday morning, she informed me that she was able to remove two of the chest drain tubes and that breathing would be easier and she was right.

She always brought me fresh water and tea that she would brew at the nurses’ station and pour over ice. When she would come to check vitals throughout the day, she would always know and say my name when she entered. She would explain what she was going to do and made sure my pain levels were tolerable making sure not to over/under medicate me. Each morning when her shift started, she would come in and say good morning and ask how my night went. When my wife would arrive with any questions, she would take the time and answer them with confidence. When she left in the evening, she would stop to say goodbye and tell me that I would be in good hands. We need more nurses with her positive attitude and bedside etiquette.