Shriners Children’s New England Nurse Honored with Daisy Award on Eve of Retirement

When Michele Boulais, RN, began thinking about a career path, she knew she wanted to do something to help people. A high school job as a nurse's aide at Shriners Children's New England in the 1980s introduced her to pediatric nursing, and the rest is history.

Michele recently received the DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award, an honor that coincides with her retirement from Shriners Children's New England after 37 years. This award recognizes honorees for their dedication to nursing through patient advocacy, active mentoring and serving as an inspiration at all stages of their career. Michele has embodied those qualities throughout her career, upholding the Shriners Children's mission and leaving a lasting impression on her colleagues.

Her early experience at Shriners Children's New England set the course for Michele's future. After graduating from college, she worked there as a student nurse and was hired as an inpatient nurse when she passed her board exam. After a brief departure where she cared for adult orthopedic patients, Michele knew her heart belonged in pediatric nursing. She missed the family feel of Shriners Children's New England and decided to return.

Michele worked as an inpatient nurse for 25 years, taking on numerous supervisory responsibilities and accepting a new discharge nurse position when it was created. Michelle Salva, RN, another veteran Shriners Children's New England nurse, shared the discharge nurse role with Michele when they both had young families and needed to shift schedules. "She's so consistent and kind, and always has your back," Michelle said. "Michele isn't someone who looks for the glory or the fame. She is there for her patients and colleagues and is a true champion of teamwork."

Rene Mackechnie, RN, started working as a nurse at Shriners Children's New England soon after Michele and remembers how willing she was to help others succeed. "In my first couple of days, Michele was asked to take over my training as the new orientee," Rene said. "She put her arm around me and took me under her wing. She was so kind, and she's always stayed that way." According to Rene, Michele's kindness and commitment to teamwork helped to foster a positive work culture. "She always thanked everyone when we were done with our day, letting everyone know how much she appreciated them."

Building bonds with patients and families, especially those from other countries, is a part of Michele's experience as a Shriners Children's employee that she will always treasure. "When children were here for inpatient stays, you got to know them and their family," she said. "You saw them progress from having surgery to going home and being happy. You got attached to them."

Today, Michele works alongside Michelle and Rene in the Shriners Children's New England outpatient clinic, assisting physicians, patients and families with care coordination. "I appreciate seeing this side of nursing," she said. "I'm always learning something new, even though I've been here a long time."

Michele is known for her strong communication skills, careful attention to detail and family-centered approach. "She has a great skill set and is one of the best nurses I've ever worked with," said Michelle. "She will be missed by all of us."

Michele was surrounded by Michelle, Rene and all her Shriners Children's New England nursing colleagues when she received the DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award during Nurses Week. As she prepares to retire, she acknowledged that it feels "surreal" to think about not going to work and reflected on what her career has meant to her. "I grew up here as a nurse and a person," Michele said. "I was honored and grateful to accept the Daisy Award on behalf of all my nursing peers, current and past. As nurses, we are all dedicated to our patients, families and our team to provide the best care possible. I could not be the nurse I am today without all the support, encouragement and mentoring I have received over the years."