JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — October’s spotlight for Nurse of the Month shines on an individual devoted to caring for the most vulnerable patients. In critical moments, Miranda Ferguson consistently provides outstanding patient care and offers support to families maneuvering through the hospital environment.

Miranda Ferguson begins her workday with a long trek through the hospital’s corridors and up an elevator to reach the Intensive Care Unit at Johnson City Medical Center. Her days are unpredictable, requiring her to be prepared for any situation.

“It’s very critical,” she says. “Anything can happen within seconds, and so you have to be ready and thinking on your feet, for sure.”

Ferguson is a BSN and RN with almost seven years of nursing experience. She says each patient’s story is unique.

“I once cared for a patient who suffered a severe lawnmower mishap and required a skin graft,” she recounts. “He was transferred to my care, and we had to resort to using leeches on his leg as a last effort to prevent amputation.”

Not only does she care for patients, but she also says she treats the patients’ families like she would treat her own.

“I consider what I would feel if it were my own family member,” she explains. “Often, these patients are unable to communicate, meaning they can’t speak up for themselves. Families are witnessing their loved ones at their lowest, and I strive to offer empathy and keep them informed because everything they face is incredibly daunting. My goal is to make them feel as comfortable as possible. It might not be home, but I assure them, ‘It’s going to be alright, I’ll be here to sort things out; please reach out if you need me.’”

Caring for patients, as well as their loved ones, is a heavy responsibility Ferguson welcomes with every walk down the hospital hall.

She adds, “It’s quite a responsibility, but I trust in my capabilities, and my colleagues are exceptional. We collaborate seamlessly, so no matter the challenge, I’m confident we’ll manage.”