December 2011

   Michaell Zimmerman
   Registered Nurse
   Performance Improvement Coordinator
   Home Health

 
Congratulations to Michaell Zimmerman, Performance Improvement Coordinator in Home Health, on being named the recipient of the MDH APPLE Award for December 2011. APPLE stands for "Achieving outstanding Performance in Patient care, Leadership, Loyalty and Enthusiasm for MDH."

Michaell graduated with an Associate of Nursing degree from Southeastern Community College in Keokuk in 1998. After becoming an RN, Michaell gained experience while working as a staff nurse in Keokuk and Springfield. She was also a Charge Nurse and Patient Care Supervisor in a Cardiovascular Unit at Blessing Hospital in Quincy. Michaell began her employment with MDH in her current role as Performance Improvement Coordinator in Home Health on November 26, 2007.

Michaell has a relaxed, yet engaging, style and has the ability to teach others in an interesting, interactive manner. She uses many venues to teach others, including bulletin boards, interactive quizzes, staff meetings, etc. Michaell is instrumental in making the changes necessary for process improvements.

She is a great resource. Michaell is knowledgeable about Joint Commission and CMS regulations and is responsible for educating the staff on the guidelines and regulations. She strives to understand the regulations to the highest level possible, which is evident in her conversations and presentations. Michaell takes ownership of her role and works hard to educate the staff. She takes on challenging assignments and tackles projects with enthusiasm.

Michaell exemplifies a positive attitude and customer service. She is upbeat and funny; she never has a bad day. Michaell is committed to MDH and improving care that will make a difference to patients. She demonstrates the MDH core values and strives to make MDH Home Health and Hospice shine in providing quality care. Her positive demeanor is infectious.

A nominator states, “Michaell has made her role as Home Health Performance Improvement Coordinator one that incorporates teamwork and clinical excellence resulting in positive outcomes for the department. She strives to make improvement efforts fun. She is friendly, has a strong clinical knowledge base, and is always thinking about how Home Health can improve the care we provide.” Michaell approaches problematic issues with a resolve that “we can get this accomplished” and develops useful tools for clinicians to use in the field: “Though she does not provide patient care, she makes a difference for the patients we serve.”

Michaell and her husband, Matt, have a daughter, Ryann, and two sons, Charlie and Jack. In her spare time, Michaell enjoys gardening and cooking. She also likes camping with her family.