EXCELLENCE IN NURSING AWARDS 2018
EXCELLENCE IN NURSING AWARDS
CERTIFIED REGISTERED NURSE ANESTHETIST OF THE YEAR
Michelle M. Hanlon,
CRNA, MSN, BSN
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist; Clinical
Coordinator for SRNA Program at Rhode Island
Hospital and Hasbro Children’s Hospital
HOW DID YOU GET INTO NURSING?
My mother is a nurse and I thought about being
a nurse starting in high school because I really
loved math and science. I also wanted to take
care of people.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR NURSING MENTOR.
My mother worked in different specialties as a
young nurse. After having a family, she returned
to nursing after many years and changes in the
nursing field and became very versatile caring for
pediatric and adult patients in her clinical setting.
Even though she is now retired, she listens to me
when I need to share experiences or frustrations.
She shares her stories and we realize how far the
nursing role has expanded and become more
complicated with increased technology. We agree
that caring is still a very important part and she
continues to be my mentor.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT
BEING A NURSE ANESTHETIST?
Taking care of one patient at a time and really
focusing on their care. I also love to teach, and as
clinical coordinator for our student nurse anesthetist
clinical rotations, I am able to guide SRNAs
through their clinical learning experiences.
WHAT’S THE MOST CHALLENGING
PART OF BEING A NURSE?
Caring for others includes always being in tune to
others and always giving of ourselves. What is
challenging is remembering that we need to take
care of ourselves and our colleagues. Recharging
myself is important through exercise, massage and
relaxation time with my family. Being there for my
colleagues, listening and providing kind words are
also part of recharging myself. Also, practicing a
grateful mindset every day is important to help
overcome our challenges.
NOMINATOR
BUZZ
“Michelle is actively involved with not only patient care but promoting education in our
field of expertise. She has always held education near and dear to her heart. It is rare to
find a person that not only gives 100 percent to her patients, but who also has more to
give for the future nurse anesthetists in our profession.”
— Lynn A. Curran, Women and Infants Hospital
WHAT EFFECT HAS COVID-19 HAD
ON YOU AS A NURSE?
COVID-19 brought changes to our daily practice in that masks had to be worn
all day and additional PPE was issued to all staff. We had to learn how to put
on and remove PPE properly. We cared for COVID patients having emergency
surgeries and were prepared to help out in the ICUs if needed. In this unusual
time, meeting patients who are all wearing masks, limiting physical contact
and maintaining social distancing can feel like barriers to providing quality
care. Nurses in all roles continue to work hard caring for all patients during
this pandemic. What I wish people to know is that nurses are at risk every
day and wearing masks and social distancing will help keep us healthy to
continue our work caring for others when they need us.
68 RHODE ISLAND MONTHLY l OCTOBER 2020