Michele McCullough, MSN, RN, AMB-BC, CPSN, believes she has the best job in nursing. For the past 12 years, she has served as the sole clinical nurse in the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery outpatient clinic, where she cares for and educates patients with cancer.

“I have the privilege of listening to patients as they bravely share their personal life stories with me,” said McCullough, who has worked as a nurse for nearly 30 years. “As part of my practice, I want to know what is important to the patient other than treating the cancer and recovering from surgery. Is it going back to the gym, walking their dog or visiting their grandchildren? Once I know, I can add it to their plan of care.”

McCullough’s dual focus on her patients’ medical care and their lives beyond their diagnosis is one of the many reasons she was selected as this year’s Gitta and Saul Kurlat Essence of Nursing Award recipient. The award is the highest honored bestowed upon clinical nurses and nurses-in-charge by the Department of Nursing. The award recipient and four honorees are celebrated during a special nurse recognition event in June.

Nurturing a Healing Environment

Lisa Dutton, left, and Pam Cormier, right, with Michele McCullough

McCullough’s leaders and colleagues submitted a 12-page award nomination packet on her behalf, filled with examples of the compassionate care she provides, her dedication to advancing her practice and her passion for the profession of nursing.

“With each patient interaction, Michele practices the art of nursing with loving kindness, compassion and equanimity,” wrote Nancy Matthews, MSN, RN, assistant nursing director for Brigham Primary Physicians, in the nomination. “She’s aware of the importance of creating a healing and therapeutic environment for patients, especially in a fast-paced clinic like Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.”

To better support patients and facilitate healing, McCullough led a series of changes in the clinic that significantly enhanced the patient experience. These included advocating to replace the traditional “johnny” gown worn by patients with a softer, more comfortable garment that looks and feels like a light robe with long sleeves and a tie at the waist. McCullough sought patient input in selecting the new garment.

“Many of Michele’s patients have undergone surgeries that have dramatically changed their bodies, and it takes time to adjust to these changes,” said Matthews. “With the introduction of the new gowns our patients saw that their dignity and comfort matter very much to Michele and to the clinic.”

Members of the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Clinic team

Additional improvements McCullough implemented in the clinic included softening the lighting, playing soothing music and providing a selection of herbal teas and water in the waiting room.

‘The Nurse Any of Us Would Want’

Pam Cormier, MSN, RN, professional development manager for Primary Care, has witnessed McCullough’s dedication to her patients time and again over their eight years as colleagues.

“Michele is the nurse any of us would want to care for ourselves or our loved ones,” said Cormier. “Her welcoming smile, compassionate demeanor, advocacy for patients and clinical excellence are just a few of the reasons she stands out.”

Cormier shared a story about a cancer patient who was seeing McCullough for a follow-up appointment. McCullough noticed something suspicious and recommended a visit with the surgeon. Realizing it could be a lengthy wait for the appointment and that the patient was anxious after all she had been through, McCullough reviewed the next day’s schedule, saw an opening and asked the surgeon to see the patient. The patient was seen the next day and received good news a few days later.

“What’s so remarkable about Michele is that she doesn’t see this as anything special,” said Cormier. “She was simply doing what she could to make things better for her patient in that moment.”

‘Always More to be Done’

Michele McCullough, Tracy Landry, PA-C, and Matthew Carty, MD

Rossana Encalada, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, nursing director, noted that McCullough quickly became familiar to her when she began as nursing director six years ago. “Michele’s name repeatedly comes up as someone who exemplifies excellent nursing practice and continued nursing leadership in the ambulatory division,” Encalada said.

Always striving for improvement and new knowledge, McCullough participates in many roles and activities outside of the clinic. She is a member of the Ambulatory Standards, Policies and Procedures Committee and the Ambulatory Divisional Committee as part of the Department of Nursing’s shared governance structure. She also previously served as a member of the Ambulatory Nursing Newsletter subcommittee and now leads a new subcommittee focused on wellness. McCullough has been certified as a Caritas coach since 2018.

“Michele’s strong voice for nursing practice excellence and patient care extends beyond the walls of her clinic and influences her colleagues across the ambulatory division,” said Cormier.

When the pandemic began in 2020, McCullough was among the first nurses who volunteered to staff the Mass General Brigham COVID-19 Call Center, providing vital information to patients, families and staff during a challenging time.

McCullough shared that she is continually looking for ways to improve care and advance her practice. “There are days when I think, ‘Am I helping? Am I doing enough for our patients?’ I am always seeking to do better because there is always more to be done.”

More about Michele

  • Education: MSN and BSN from Framingham State University; diploma from St. Elizabeth’s Hospital School of Nursing
  • Prior nursing roles at BWH: Postpartum units, Operating Room and Gynecology/Oncology
  • Best part of her current role: The team. “It takes a team to treat breast cancer patients. I love my job and am fortunate to work with the most incredible group of providers.”
  • Fondest work memory: An avid Boston sports fan, Michele will never forget working on CWN-10 the night the Red Sox won the World Series. “It was one of the best nights ever and to share it with my nursing colleagues was something special.”
  • Family: Husband, John; and three children, Amanda, 28, Sean, 24, and Grace, 18
  • Favorite activity: Going to concerts, playing tennis and vacationing with family
  • Best book you’ve recently read: “The Women” by Kristin Hannah about a new American nurse who enlists during the Vietnam War. “One of my nursing instructors was a nurse during the Vietnam War, and I will never forget her stories.”
  • Fun fact: “I high-fived Taylor Swift at a concert!”