Mike’s journey to nursing began as a medic in the Army, to see if he really wanted to pursue healthcare. From there he went to nursing school, graduating in 1983 and returned to the Army as an officer.

In 1984, he was transferred to Fort Lewis and began working on Ward 9 at old Madigan, a step down ICU unit. That’s where he met his wife, Beverley, who was working there as a night shift nurse. After leaving the military, he worked briefly at Puget Sound Community Hospital and then moved to Good Samaritan Hospital. At Good Sam, he was hired as part of the “flying squad”. Nurses that would move from unit to unit as needed. This position led to Mike discovering an interest in providing sedation for radiological procedures. 

His schedule was 10 hour shifts – 7 days on and 7 days off. This schedule ultimately allowed for some work-life balance since he could spend extra time with their new adopted daughter during his week off. After leaving Good Sam, he worked at Allenmore in the radiology department and then moved to agency nursing and then as a home health nurse before retiring after 30+ years. 

While at Good Sam, he served as a local unit leader through several contract negotiations and as the local unit chair. He also stepped up to leadership roles at WSNA. In addition to serving on the ANA House of Delegates and attending multiple ANA conventions, Mike served on the E&GW including multiple terms as chair.

During this time, Mike also became a leader at PCNA. Over two decades, Mike served terms on the board as a director as well as 2 stints as President, each lasting 4-8 years.

Mike steps up when needed. In 2015, the PCNA President needed to resign mid term. This was a bit of a crisis since the Vice-President position was unfilled at the time so there was no one to fill the presidency. Mike agreed to take on the role of vice-president, knowing that he would immediately take on the presidency. No preparation – one moment director, next moment President. That’s who Mike is – Mike steps up. 

Over the years, the board has worked to delegate planning to the banquet committee. This only works if there is a strong leader. Mike has repeatedly led the banquet committee. Even when he stepped back from serving on the board, he continued for several years as the committee chair. He led through location changes, a return to in person events after covid and through the increase in fundraising activities. From raffle baskets to silent auctions to fundraising games, Mike’s quiet, steady leadership has made our annual celebrations successful.

Mike has attended countless presentations to nursing students across our Region – sharing the story of his nursing career with young and future nurses. In his words, he wanted them to know that “Nursing is big enough that you can do anything you want.” 

Over the years, Mike has repeatedly stepped up to help PCNA and now RONA thrive. His kind, steady leadership has been foundational in building the association into what it is today. Thank you Mike for your years of leadership and service.