Lehigh Valley Health Network names Jay and Stacy Michalik as Colleagues of the Month for March.

Here is some information about them:

Jay Michalik

Work location: LVH-Cedar Crest, in the Open Heart ICU, Transitional Open Heart, and Advanced ICU Telemedicine

Why you like your job: We were raised with a belief that common decency and respect are great qualities to possess and that each one of us has an ability to affect the lives of others - good, bad or indifferent. Nursing allows most of these affects to be good.

Challenges/proud moments of your job: A career in health care provides a unique perspective of life in general. You learn real quick what really matters, why you should enjoy every second of every day while you can, and how there can be grace in one’s passing.

How long have you worked there: 25 years

Background: Penn State University. St. Luke’s School of Nursing. Volunteering in the fire, rescue and EMS services led me into nursing.

Family: We both have strong family and friend ties to the coal regions. Happily live in Mahoning Valley with our hound dog Sam. We own and operate a wholesale Christmas tree farm.

Hobbies: Spending time with our family and friends, especially in the outdoors.

Why you like working for LVHN: LVHN has a genuine understanding of the concept of community strength being largely defined by the actions of those within it. LVHN, beyond quality health care, walks the walk when it comes to community and I’m proud to be part of that team.

Stacy Michalik

Work location: LVH – Cedar Crest, in the Trauma Neuro ICU

About your job, and why you like it: A trauma patient is often rapidly evolving and ever changing. To be surrounded by amazing co-workers and the bonds that are created as part of the team handling those patients is fulfilling.

Challenges/proud moments of your job: Having to tell a loved one that their family member you’re caring for may not be doing well is a tough but necessary conversation. Regardless of outcomes, the moments I am most proud of as a LVHN nurse are when families or patients come back and visit after healing.

How long have you worked there: 21 years.

Background: BS in Psychology, Cedar Crest College; RN, St. Luke’s Hospital School of Nursing; TCRN; PHRN, LVH-EMI.

Hobbies: Enjoying time spent with family and friends. Working on our Christmas tree farm and long hikes with our dog Sam.

Why you like working for LVHN: A career in health care provides a wide range of emotions to navigate. LVHN has a long-standing history of positive patient outcomes making those waves easier to ride, both as a patient, and an employee, and I’m proud to be a part of it.