Michele
Zayas
May 2026
Michele
Zayas
,
RN
SPHP St. Peter's Hospital
Albany
,
NY
United States
She maintains open communication, consistently follows up on concerns, and keeps me informed about staff who may need extra support or guidance.
Many of my mentors have taught me the importance of remembering my "why" - why I became a nurse and why I chose this path. When it comes to Michele, her "why" is visible in every interaction she has with the nurses she guides. Michele embodies compassion, connection, and genuine support in all she does. Her presence alone communicates that she cares deeply about each individual and is committed to their success.
Michele works tirelessly to support new nurses as they begin their careers. She arrives early to meet with staff, provides one-on-one check-ins, assists at the bedside with skills nurses may feel unsure about, and develops targeted educational content to meet their needs. She fosters a warm, supportive relationship with every nurse she encounters - not just those who are new to the profession.
Her dedication extends beyond routine education. Michele has created and offered additional classes, including charge nurse training, preceptor development, and the new Learning Lounge on 3 Mac. She empowers staff to select topics they most want to learn about and then builds a comprehensive curriculum based on their feedback. Michele even provides her personal cell phone number so nurses can reach out for support whenever they need it. I have heard her say, "I am Switzerland - if there are any issues, come to me, and we will figure it out," and she truly means it.
Michele is not only an invaluable resource for the bedside staff but also for me as a manager. She maintains open communication, consistently follows up on concerns, and keeps me informed about staff who may need extra support or guidance. She is a trusted leader on 3 Mac and is deeply respected by the team.
In every aspect of her work, Michele exemplifies what it means to be a dedicated, compassionate, and influential nurse educator. Her commitment to fostering growth, confidence, and connection among the staff has made a lasting impact on our unit. Michele's unwavering support, expertise, and genuine care not only elevate the nurses she works with but also strengthen the entire 3 Mac team. We are truly fortunate to have her as a leader, mentor, and partner in creating a positive and successful environment for both staff and patients.
Michele works tirelessly to support new nurses as they begin their careers. She arrives early to meet with staff, provides one-on-one check-ins, assists at the bedside with skills nurses may feel unsure about, and develops targeted educational content to meet their needs. She fosters a warm, supportive relationship with every nurse she encounters - not just those who are new to the profession.
Her dedication extends beyond routine education. Michele has created and offered additional classes, including charge nurse training, preceptor development, and the new Learning Lounge on 3 Mac. She empowers staff to select topics they most want to learn about and then builds a comprehensive curriculum based on their feedback. Michele even provides her personal cell phone number so nurses can reach out for support whenever they need it. I have heard her say, "I am Switzerland - if there are any issues, come to me, and we will figure it out," and she truly means it.
Michele is not only an invaluable resource for the bedside staff but also for me as a manager. She maintains open communication, consistently follows up on concerns, and keeps me informed about staff who may need extra support or guidance. She is a trusted leader on 3 Mac and is deeply respected by the team.
In every aspect of her work, Michele exemplifies what it means to be a dedicated, compassionate, and influential nurse educator. Her commitment to fostering growth, confidence, and connection among the staff has made a lasting impact on our unit. Michele's unwavering support, expertise, and genuine care not only elevate the nurses she works with but also strengthen the entire 3 Mac team. We are truly fortunate to have her as a leader, mentor, and partner in creating a positive and successful environment for both staff and patients.