A Staunch Advocate For Radiation Oncology Nursing and Compassionate Care

From left: MICHELE “MICHI” GRAY, RN, OCN and ALLISON OCHOCKI, B.S.N., RN

Everyone knows someone who has been affected by cancer, whether they are going through treatment themselves, know someone who is going through treatment, or just simply know someone who has had cancer. For those of us where cancer is close, we always remember the nurses. Every oncology nurse deserves recognition, and there is a growing list of nurses who go above and beyond.

To make a difference and be an impactful oncology nurse, it takes a special passion, dedication and the desire to continue to expand their knowledge. Although there are many nurses at our institution who make an impact every day, when you hear the name Michele “Michi” Gray, RN, OCN, you can’t help but think what a standout and extraordinary nurse she is.

MICHELE “MICHI” GRAY, RN, OCN and ALLISON OCHOCKI, B.S.N., RN

Michi has been an oncology nurse for more than 20 years and continues to make an impact in the field. Michi has expertise in all areas of oncology and has spent the past 11 years in radiation oncology. She has an oncology certification and helps to educate her fellow nurses and encourage them to become certified.

Not only does Michi take care of her colleagues as though they are family, but she advocates for radiation oncology nursing, is very involved at our Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) local chapter and delivers unforgettable, excellent patient care. Michi delivers quality care at our institution and every year delivers care on a mission trip, volunteering her time and knowledge to people who need it most. 

Michi is often the one making sure everyone else is OK in the clinic. Michi’s humor and infectious laugh make the hard days easier and help to keep the day moving. Michi radiates positivity. She is a leader for the radiation oncology nurses, and she is frequently looked to for advice or teaching moments. Michi makes patients and colleagues feel safe with their emotions. She makes people feel welcome in the department.

During the holidays, Michi opens her home to radiation oncology residents who have no family in the area. Although this may seem like a simple invite, residents have noted how it has made an impact during their training and touched their hearts. This is a testament to how Michi thinks of others and wants the department to feel like a family. Michi has truly found her passion in oncology and continues to advocate for the field of radiation oncology.

Working with ONS at the national level, she collaborated on the role delineation for radiation oncology. Although she is oncology certified, she continues to advocate for a certification in radiation oncology. Michi is very involved within her nursing group and often assists by leading projects. She was instrumental in defining the roles and responsibilities within the radiation oncology nursing groups at our institution.

She is also working with a multidisciplinary team on scheduling efficiencies and driving change for both the nurses and physicians. She inspires her coworkers to reach new goals, such as encouraging another nurse to write and achieve an accepted abstract. Michi constantly looks for ways to drive and deliver quality care in radiation oncology. Michi is very involved in our local ONS chapter, serving as director at large. It is not often that you find someone from radiation being so active and sharing her knowledge. She brings her knowledge and encourages other nurses from radiation oncology to attend meetings. This shows her passion for oncology nursing and sharing her knowledge. She also serves on many subcommittees within her chapter.

One of Michi’s most important endeavors is her work with the American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge in Cleveland, Ohio. Hope Lodge provides housing for our out-of-town patients to stay when they are receiving treatment. Michi has a passion for fundraising for Hope Lodge, and in the past 2 years, she has quadrupled her fundraising. Michi is willing to do whatever it takes, is innovative with her fundraising, and she gets other nurses involved to meet the goal. This shows her dedication and passion for her patients. 

Lastly and most importantly, it is the care that Michi delivers to her patients that shows how amazing she is as an oncology nurse. Michi delivers safe and effective care as a care coordinator and serves as the main point of contact for patients. Patients have said that when they call Michi, she will do whatever it takes to make sure their questions are answered. She often stays after her shift to ensure that patients are taken care of. She is respected by the providers because of the comprehensive, compassionate care she provides. She spends time making sure patients understand their treatment and its potential side effects. She jumps in quickly in times of need to assist with patients. You can often hear Michi laughing with patients, crying with patients and making her patients feel like they are family. She consistently goes above and beyond.

Michi is a standout care coordinator, utilizing best practices and ensuring patients are taken care of. Michi is truly an exceptional nurse. Her passion and dedication to her patients and the field of oncology nursing show the moment she walks through the door. She has positively affected so many nurses and patients. She is a leader in the field and works to ensure that she shares her knowledge with others. She gives a voice to radiation oncology and exhibits her passion through her work with ONS. She consistently seeks opportunities to share the joy of being an oncology nurse, specifically her experience and expertise in radiation oncology, encouraging and supporting her patients and colleagues.

There are not enough words to describe why Michi is so deserving of the Extraordinary Healer Award for Oncology Nursing. She is a true example of what an oncology nurse should be.