At McLaren Macomb we believe in recognizing outstanding employees who consistently exceed expectations to ensure the highest degree of patient satisfaction. The Employee of the Month award is presented to an employee whose exemplary performance, professionalism and leadership contributes to McLaren Macomb's mission and core values. Meet Nichole Registered Nurse Born and raised in Macomb County, Nichole Sens and her fiancé plan to continue to make Sterling Heights their home town. Her dad was born in the Netherlands and her mother is from Michigan. Nicole attended Baker College where she studied nursing. Nicole has been employed at McLaren Macomb for 10 years and is currently a registered nurse working in a very fast paced medical surgical telemetry unit, on 4 South. Her duties include communicating openly with patients, families, doctors, and patient care associates to provide the best care to all patients. Understanding that each patient is a unique person, Nicole demonstrates a passionate concern for all patients, regardless of their circumstances. She firmly believes that teamwork is essential when dealing with the everyday stress in the unit. She is quick to point out, "If it were not for all of my amazing co-workers my job would be a lot harder." Knowing that she can make a difference in someone's life is what inspires Nicole to come to work every day. When asked what she likes most about her job, Nicole responded, "I am most gratified to see a patient progress toward their goals and enable them to go home, and that is what makes my job worthwhile. When I am told by patients' family members that they are grateful that I am caring for their loved one, or that they can go home and rest knowing that I will be there for them in the morning truly makes stressful thoughts go away." Nicole performed her required 200 clinical hours in the medical surgical telemetry unit. Upon completion, she was determined that she would never stay within the unit because she thought "it was just too chaotic." That changed when she saw a rare job opportunity for an RN position within the unit and quickly forgot about the chaos she experienced. She applied for the job, got it and has never doubted her decision. Says Nicole, "Between my co-workers and the patients I am a "˜lifer' on 4 South now... It is my home!" When giving advice for new employees, Nicole would say "don't give up. Take each day as it comes, and be patient. Don't be afraid to ask your co-workers for direction. And always remember-if you are happy in your job the patients will sense it." Nicole believes that patient satisfaction entails doing things for patients that go above and beyond their expectations-whether it be holding their hand during a difficult time or just spending a little extra time sitting and talking with them, affirming "it is the little things that matter the most to a patient." Prior to becoming a nurse, Nicole worked as a patient care associate (PCA) for 6 years and thinks that experience was the foundation for her successful nursing career. She wishes that all nurses could have the opportunity to work with a PCA as doing so provides a whole different respect for the hard work that they do! Nicole has a busy schedule as she currently serves on the nurse practice counsel. She and her fiancé are busy planning their October wedding. Soon after, they plan to buy a house and eventually start a family.