A Small Act of Kindness that Made a Lasting Impact
Today at the Bronson Methodist Hospital Infusion Center, a patient came with a minimal army of people around her. Almost every time she has come here, she has to stay in her wheelchair due to her condition. Many people have assumed that because she is in the wheelchair she is unable to get out of it. Today, Michelle Wilson, RN asked the patient if she could get out of the wheelchair to sit in the chair that we have that is more comfortable. The patient communicated the desire to be in the nicer chair since her bottom has become very sore from sitting in her wheelchair for a long period of time.
Michelle asked several staff if they would be willing to help this patient into the more comfortable chair. Once a small team was ready, Michelle communicated with the patient that if she is unable to bear any weight that we would need to sit her back into the wheelchair and would find another way to help her with any discomfort. With a gait belt the patient was safely transferred to the comfortable chair. The patient was delighted and stated that she has never felt so comfortable while being here, "I feel like a queen". It was rewarding to watch Michelle to take time out of her busy schedule to help someone with something that is normally not expected.
While working with Michelle I know that this is not just a one time thing that she does for a patient. She always takes the time to make someone feel safe, heard and cared for. I see this as she works with patients and as a co-worker. She is never not willing to help but is also wonderful at knowing her limit and communicates it effectively. If you have a conversation with Michelle, your day is usually made just a little bit better and a little bit brighter. She is one of the many reasons why I don't want to just be a nurse but a nurse with compassion, a nurse with hope, a nurse with joy, a nurse with integrity; I want to be a nurse like Michelle.
Please consider Michelle Wilson for a DAISY award not just for this moment with a patient who got to be in a comfy chair, but because she is the definition of what a nurse should strive to be like.
