Michelle Deramus

Nurse Chooses to Work at StoneSprings after an Exceptional Experience as a Patient

Hard work and adrenaline have always been key drivers and motivators for Michelle Deramus, RN, who became a paramedic early in her career. Michelle idolized her older brother Rob. He was a highly decorated paramedic in the Coast Guard and was influential in Michelle choosing that same career right after high school.

For the next 20 years, Michelle served as a paramedic in a fire department before transitioning to a paramedic in Children’s National Medical Center emergency room (ER).  “Being a paramedic, I was used to stabilizing patients, administering meds and then having a nurse take over,” she said.  

 “After working in an ER for several additional years, I realized I wanted to do more to help patients,” said Michelle. “I knew, I could make a broader difference and help patients more if I was a nurse.” This was just the beginning of Michelle’s journey to becoming a caring and compassionate nurse.

In 2004, Michelle earned her nursing degree. She worked in the ER at Prince William Hospital for 10 years before moving on to Reston Hospital. “I wanted to be a nurse so I could help people feel better and heal,” said Michelle. She explains the importance of remaining calm and using critical thinking skills to assess a patient's health and administer care. “I love problem solving and helping identifying pieces of a puzzle."

Michelle’s career as an ER nurse took a different direction after she had ankle surgery at StoneSprings Hospital. “Everyone had a smile and was so sweet to me,” she said. “From the registrars to the preop nurse, from the anesthesiologist to postop, I was treated with kindness.” Her experience, from the moment she walked in until she was wheeled to her car, was one of the greatest of her life.

Once Michelle returned home and had several months of recovery, she realized she wanted nothing more than to work at StoneSprings Hospital. She wanted to give back the same kindness to her patients and colleagues that she received.

“Although my true calling was to be a paramedic, becoming a nurse has given me the opportunity to provide more personalized care for my patients,” she said. “I may have contemplated retirement during my recovery from ankle surgery, but joining the StoneSprings team as a PACU nurse has reinvigorated me to continue my passion for nursing,” said Michelle.