May 2024
Mike
Matos
,
RN
Surgical Clinic
Department of Veteran Affairs Providence VA Healthcare System
Providence
,
RI
United States
After spending a few minutes listening and talking with the patient, Mike earned his trust, and after applying the wound VAC, the patient decided to stay.
For the past (6) months, I have worked with Mike in the Surgical Services, and in that time, I have witnessed him go above and beyond in the service of our patients here at the VA. While Mike's assignment is to the outpatient podiatry clinic, he routinely works in our other clinics. Around the clinics, Mike is also known for his expertise in all matters related to wound care. On more than one occasion, he has accompanied our surgical residents and nurse practitioners to help troubleshoot complex surgical dressing changes or wound VAC complications for inpatients, even staying after hours when the need has arisen.
In one such circumstance, a few months ago, Mike accompanied me to the ICU for a wound VAC dressing change in a patient with multiple medical comorbidities, resulting in chronic pain and including long dialysis sessions. At the point we met, the patient was tired and frustrated and explained that he did not want to begin using a wound VAC and was ready to leave against medical advice (AMA). After spending a few minutes listening and talking with the patient, Mike earned his trust, and after applying the wound VAC, the patient decided to stay. The rest of his admission was otherwise uneventful, and he tolerated his dressing changes well.
DAISY's criteria exemplify Mike's dedication by always taking the initiative, being a great team player, and using strong critical thinking skills, which he shows daily. He is a remarkable nurse whose unwavering commitment to excellence and leadership has left an indelible mark on the outpatient units. He embodies the essence of nursing, consistently going above and beyond to ensure the well-being of every Veteran under his care. As a mentor and preceptor, Mike tirelessly imparts knowledge, skills, and expertise to nursing staff, nurturing their growth and development. His dedication to mentoring new nurses strengthens our team and ensures the highest standards of patient care. In addition to his role in outpatient care, Mike seamlessly transitions into assisting the care of inpatients, collaborating with residents and APRNs to provide comprehensive and compassionate care to patients with complex needs.
In one such circumstance, a few months ago, Mike accompanied me to the ICU for a wound VAC dressing change in a patient with multiple medical comorbidities, resulting in chronic pain and including long dialysis sessions. At the point we met, the patient was tired and frustrated and explained that he did not want to begin using a wound VAC and was ready to leave against medical advice (AMA). After spending a few minutes listening and talking with the patient, Mike earned his trust, and after applying the wound VAC, the patient decided to stay. The rest of his admission was otherwise uneventful, and he tolerated his dressing changes well.
DAISY's criteria exemplify Mike's dedication by always taking the initiative, being a great team player, and using strong critical thinking skills, which he shows daily. He is a remarkable nurse whose unwavering commitment to excellence and leadership has left an indelible mark on the outpatient units. He embodies the essence of nursing, consistently going above and beyond to ensure the well-being of every Veteran under his care. As a mentor and preceptor, Mike tirelessly imparts knowledge, skills, and expertise to nursing staff, nurturing their growth and development. His dedication to mentoring new nurses strengthens our team and ensures the highest standards of patient care. In addition to his role in outpatient care, Mike seamlessly transitions into assisting the care of inpatients, collaborating with residents and APRNs to provide comprehensive and compassionate care to patients with complex needs.