Michael Bloom’s career is a study in how transferable skills and human-centred values can shape a leader in nursing. His path into healthcare is rooted not only in academic achievement but also in small, everyday experiences that taught him how to stay calm under pressure and connect with people.
Early Life and Foundations of Care
Bloom grew up in North Jersey, where theatre, photography, and community service formed much of his identity. “Theatre helped me understand people’s emotions,” he recalls. “Photography made me slow down and notice details.” These early pursuits built habits of empathy and observation that later shaped his approach to patient care.
During high school, he joined the Civil Air Patrol, earning the Billy Mitchell Award. He also took part in Covenant House sleepouts to raise funds and awareness for homeless youth. “That experience stayed with me,” he explains. “It helped me to understand how a little bit of effort can improve someone’s life.”
Lessons from the Coffee Counter
At university, Michael Bloom balanced his nursing studies with shifts at Saxbys café. What seemed like a job to pay bills became an unexpected training ground for leadership.
“During the morning rush, everything could go wrong—machines breaking, queues out the door,” he says. “I learned to read people quickly. Some customers wanted small talk, others just wanted efficiency. That skill translates directly to nursing.”
He often draws on these lessons in high-pressure settings like trauma care. “In both places, you have to project calm even when the situation is messy,” Bloom notes.
Clinical Training and Leadership
Bloom earned his BSN with honours in 2024, completing rotations in trauma intensive care, med-surg, psychiatry, maternal-child health, and public health. A pivotal moment came during an externship at the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore.
“In the ICU, emergencies unfold rapidly,” he remembers. “I had to trust my training and communicate clearly with the team. That experience gave me confidence in handling the unpredictable.”
Bloom also mentored peers as a teaching assistant in anatomy and physiology. “I enjoyed showing students that it’s okay to struggle,” he says. “Confidence doesn’t come from knowing everything—it comes from learning openly.”
Cultural Competence and Language Skills
His decision to minor in Hispanic Studies turned out to be more than academic. “One day a patient spoke only Spanish and needed reassurance,” Bloom shares. “No interpreter was available. I stepped in, and was able to address some of his concerns before we were able to find someone more qualified. That moment changed how I view language—it’s not optional, it’s part of care.”
This focus on cultural competence continues to guide his practice. “Healthcare has to be about the whole person—their fears, beliefs, and background. Without that, treatment is incomplete.”
Advocacy and Whole-Person Care
Bloom is vocal about emotional intelligence in healthcare. He believes leadership in nursing comes from empathy as much as expertise. “A patient might not remember what vaccines you gave them, but they’ll remember if you asked them whether ingredients like gelatin are compatible with their culture’s beliefs around food.”
He also took initiative in public health, helping train peers in Narcan use to combat opioid overdoses. “Public health isn’t just about policies, it’s about giving people training and tools they can use themselves.”
Looking Forward
Bloom continues to write, mentor, and advocate for a healthcare system that values compassion as much as clinical skill. His journey, from coffee shop floors to trauma units, illustrates how everyday experiences can forge resilience and leadership.
“Every patient, every shift is a chance to learn,” Bloom reflects. “That’s what keeps me inspired.”
Shikha Negi is a Content Writer at ztudium with expertise in writing and proofreading content. Having created more than 500 articles encompassing a diverse range of educational topics, from breaking news to in-depth analysis and long-form content, Shikha has a deep understanding of emerging trends in business, technology (including AI, blockchain, and the metaverse), and societal shifts, As the author at Sarvgyan News, Shikha has demonstrated expertise in crafting engaging and informative content tailored for various audiences, including students, educators, and professionals.
