Get to know: Michael Kurcz, MHA, BSN, RN, CEN
Manager, Emergency Services at Chandler Regional Medical Center
What inspires you to give to the Dignity Health Foundation East Valley?
Each year CRMC ER has the opportunity to learn and grow through many different organizational conferences such as the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) annual conference. We strive to give our team the best opportunities to learn new skills and evidence based information that is obtained from conferences like the ENA. This also creates cohesiveness within the team and allows staff to empower themselves to create change within our department. I donate to our foundation so we can give back to our department and community with up to date education and innovation. The Dignity Health Foundation consistently supports our staff by allowing them to attend these invaluable conferences year after year.
How does gratitude influence your decision to support our mission through giving?
Gratitude plays a huge role in my decision to support our mission through giving. I’ve seen firsthand the compassion, healing, and hope our ministry brings to people when they need it most and I am proud to be part of that. Giving back is my way of saying “thank you” for the opportunity to serve alongside others who truly care. I’m grateful for the people we help, my peers who inspire me, and the mission that reminds me every day why what we do matters.
Is there a particular program, service, or fund that holds a special place in your heart or that you prefer to support?
For over 12 years I have had the privilege of attending many different influential conferences alongside my amazing team. The opportunities for team building and education that we have been able to experience has been priceless. The Dignity Health Foundation has supported those moments and we are forever grateful for all that the Dignity Health Foundation does for our department.
What is your fondest memory of working at Chandler Regional Medical Center?
My fondest memory is my very first experience with this hospital. I had the opportunity in 1996 to complete my EMT clinicals in the ER at Chandler Regional Medical Center. Tom Ng was the charge nurse and he made sure that my clinicals were meaningful and immersive. He introduced me to staff, gave me a name tag on the assignment board, checked on me often and made sure that I was able to learn from my time here. I remembered that moment and how this team would be such an amazing team to work beside. In 2005 my moment came and I was asked to join CRMC ER as a Patient Care Technician. People have asked me why I have stayed with Chandler Regional for as long as I have and I tell them that story and how I am privileged to work beside people like Tom Ng and the rest of my team. I have spent the last 20 years thinking about how I am blessed to work with such dedicated and compassionate people. These people are my family and I am forever grateful for someone taking a chance on me in 2005.
What's a fun fact about you that your colleagues might not know?
In my spare time I love to go camping and have a fishing pole in my hand while being surrounded by the peace and quiet of a secluded lake nestled in pine trees. This allows me to reset and recharge my thoughts. I also have a 1955 Chevrolet Belair that I have been working on for over 15 years. I love to tinker and build things with my hands. When I finish a project and I am able to take a step back and look at what I created gives me a major sense of accomplishment and pride. I hope that I get to drive her again one day and my patience doesn't run out!