Michelle Bero, a registered nurse at the Stillwater Medical Center Cardiology Clinic, was recognized as the March of Dimes 2024 Nurse of the Year in public health, ambulatory care, and nursing specialties. With over 20 years of nursing experience, Bero said the title is humbling.
“When I got the email saying I was a finalist, in my mind, I had already won. It means a great deal to be recognized among the best out of nearly 1,000 nominees,” Bero said. “I don’t do this for recognition, so it’s overwhelming to feel noticed alongside such incredible nurses.”
The March of Dimes Nurse of the Year award celebrates nurses who exemplify an extraordinary level of care and compassion in the delivery of patient care services. The award is peer-nominated and open to registered and licensed practical nurses in Oklahoma. Stillwater Medical Center had five finalists in 2024 including Maria Avers in home health, Leah Encinas in surgical services, Jessica Pierce in Cushing family practice, and Suzie Teague in women’s health.
Bero came to Stillwater Medical Center seven years ago with extensive nursing experience including hospice, diabetes education and occupational health. As a lifelong learner, she said she enjoys the complex, rapidly changing world of healthcare and can’t imagine doing anything else.
“Nursing is my calling, and I am passionate about providing exceptional care and education to my patients,” Bero said.
One of the patients on the receiving end of Bero’s care is John Bell. John is a Stillwater resident with congestive heart failure. Over the years he and his wife, Chris, have seen dozens of doctors and healthcare professionals. They said the care they’ve received from Bero stands out above all the rest.
“It’s hard being in a clinical, cold environment and watching the person you love decline in health,” Chris said. “I hate going to the doctor, but Michelle warms the room. It’s like having a friend there who is knowledgeable and aware of everything that’s clinically important.”
The Bells and Bero have formed a strong relationship over the years. Bero provides consistent monitoring, education and support to the couple as they navigate this chronic illness.
“I genuinely care about my patients at an emotional level,” Bero said. “Many of them are very sick with heart failure. We have hard conversations about what’s coming next. I want them to feel very informed about the direction we’re heading so we can talk about what that looks like.”
Chris said Bero has been a source of comfort and strength for both she and John. She recalls many instances where Bero has gone above and beyond to help them feel cared for, including wheeling John over to the hospital personally and providing her cell phone number for urgent questions.
“She wears a lot of the burden because you can tell she cares. She’s seen me in tears. She’s seen me ask the tough questions. I feel very respected by her and she’s deserving of all the recognition,” Chris said.
