ALTHOUGH FELLOW nurses refer to Michaela Stone as a “baby nurse,” Vanderbilt Bedford Hospital recently awarded her the Rosamond Gabrielson Staff Nurse of the Year award. This prestigious award elevates the nursing profession and inspires Vanderbilt employees to pursue excellence, advocate for others, and model leadership. Nominees have a track record of providing exceptional patient care and being willing to encourage and mentor others in the profession. Although Stone has only worn scrubs professionally for a few years, health care is practically part of her DNA.
“I was fortunate to grow up in a family deeply rooted in nursing and health care,” Stone said. “My greatest influences have always been my parents, Mike and Marilyn Stone. I watched them navigate both emotionally difficult moments and joyful celebrations with their patients. My mom continues to serve as a resource nurse, and my dad retired a few years ago after a long career in health care. Watching them dedicate so much of their lives to caring for others was incredibly inspiring and played a significant role in shaping my passion for nursing. I feel truly honored to be their daughter and to follow in the path they paved.”
After graduating from Community High School, Stone attended Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU). The location allowed her to gain a measure of independence while remaining tethered to her family and her support system.
“The nursing program at MTSU is highly respected and consistently known for its strong National Council Licensure Exam pass rates and academic excellence,” Stone said.
Between the rigors of college classes, studying for examinations, and working face-to-face with doctors and patients during her clinicals, the weight of everything felt crushing at times.
“Nursing school was one of the most challenging experiences of my life. I studied constantly, yet I always felt like I hadn’t studied enough. I truly had no idea how hard it would be. But after four years of hard work, I was fortunate to be hired at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt in the pediatric emergency department before I had even graduated. This was my dream job.”
Working in an emergency room hadn’t been on her radar, but her clinical instructor assigned her to the emergency department at Stonecrest in Smyrna during her senior year. Though Stone expected this assignment would improve her IV skills, the fast-paced environment fit her like a latex glove.
This new adventure was also overwhelming.
Stone said, “Working on a busy Nashville campus that serves as a Level 1 Trauma Center and one of the top-ranked pediatric hospitals in the country was intense. I had moved to a big city where I didn’t know anyone, and I was stepping into my first ‘big girl’ job. It was no joke. The learning curve was steep, and at times I really struggled. But after a few months, I found my footing.”
She now refers to that as her “sink-or-swim” environment. While she worked at the children’s hospital and lived in Nashville, she grew in ways she never imagined. Adjusting to the demands of adult life, working 12-hour shifts, including night shifts, and coping with the physical, mental, and emotional aspects took a toll, but Stone pushed herself harder.
“I learned resilience, how to prioritize critical situations, sharpen my nursing skills, and most importantly, how to support and care for families going through some of the hardest moments of their lives. That job grew me as a nurse and as a person in ways that are hard to fully put into words. I will always be thankful that my journey started there.”
Stone continued, “I began looking for positions closer to home, and I moved to Murfreesboro. Vanderbilt Bedford was hiring for both PRN and full-time emergency department positions. I interviewed with Jeri Clements, and from the moment we met, I felt so welcomed and at ease. She genuinely wanted to get to know me as a person, not just as a nurse. I came as a very young, impressionable woman, but the nurses, doctors, and staff have poured into me both professionally and personally. I didn’t just find a job; I found lifelong friends and family.”
She also found her voice, which helps her advocate for the needs of her patients.
“When I first became a nurse, I was very timid and quiet, often afraid to ask questions because I didn’t want to sound inexperienced. But nursing has taught me there is no shame in not knowing, only in not asking. This mindset has helped me build confidence and grow both professionally and personally.”
When times were tough, and the learning curve was steep, Stone persevered.
“One of the most beautiful things about health care is that you never stop learning. No matter how long you’ve been in it, there’s always room to grow.”
And grow, she has! Besides earning the award, Stone received a promotion to charge nurse and began a master’s program with a concentration in health care administration last fall. Stone said, “The secret is, I love people. That’s how I know this career was meant for me.” GN
