A Conversation with Michael Bloom Registered Nurse: More Than Medicine

Michael Bloom is a compassionate and motivated registered nurse (BSN, RN) with a deep commitment to whole-person care—addressing not only physical health, but also the emotional, spiritual, and mental well-being of his patients. A 2024 Summa Cum Laude graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Michael also holds a minor in Hispanic Studies, reflecting his dedication to culturally competent and linguistically inclusive healthcare.

Originally from New Jersey, Michael brings a rich background in the arts, education, and service. He served as a teaching assistant in anatomy and physiology, worked as a barista at Saxbys UPenn, and contributed to public health outreach by training peers in Narcan administration through Stop The Crisis Philly. His clinical experience includes trauma ICU, orthopedic, neurologic, and lifespan-focused care.

Beyond healthcare, Michael Bloom is an avid reader, museum-goer, and hobbyist photographer who finds joy in creative expression and connection. He’s also passionate about advocacy, equity, and community-based service, including prior work with Covenant House and the Civil Air Patrol. Michael is committed to making a positive impact in nursing and public health, always guided by empathy, resilience, and integrity.

Tell us about your journey into nursing—what first inspired you to pursue this path? 
When I was sixteen or so, I broke a couple of bones in my leg, and had to have surgery to repair it. In the hospital and surgical centers, I got to see what a nurse does firsthand, and how nursing combines personal care with science and technology. I’ve always seen healthcare as more than treating a diagnosis—it was about helping someone feel seen and cared for during the most vulnerable times in their life. My interest in community care solidified during high school when I participated in service projects, especially sleepouts for Covenant House. That exposure to human resilience helped me to understand that nursing goes beyond the hospital and into the community.

You emphasize whole-person care in your nursing philosophy. What does that mean to you in practice? 
To me, whole-person care means acknowledging that patients are not just a set of symptoms or diagnoses. They are human beings with diverse emotional, spiritual, and psychological needs that directly impact their physical health. I think about the patient who might be recovering physically but is struggling emotionally, or someone whose cultural or spiritual background affects how they understand and perceive illness or pain. Cultural humility is extremely important, because it establishes trust and further understanding of the patient and family that allows me to tailor care to their needs. I think back to working nights in the ICU- one patient’s father kept coming up to the nurse’s station to ask for things that we had encouraged him to use the call bells for. The team was frustrated at first until we realized it was Friday night, and the patient and his family were honoring the Sabbath. It was such a simple realization, but so important for providing personalized and competent care. My training taught me the technical skills, but my personal values and experiences taught me to pause and ask, “How are you doing right now?” That’s where healing really starts.

How did your background in the arts and your early experiences shape your approach as a nurse? 
The arts taught me to observe, to interpret, and hopefully, to understand. Whether I was performing in theater or taking photos, I was always seeking new perspectives and capturing emotion. That creative training made me a better communicator and helped me become more attuned to subtle human behaviors—body language, tone, mood. In high-stress clinical environments, being able to read the room and connect quickly with patients and families is invaluable. Plus, theater taught me how to think on my feet. When things get intense in a hospital, those improvisational instincts kick in.

You graduated summa cum laude from Penn Nursing with a minor in Hispanic Studies. What role does language and cultural understanding play in your work? 
Language is access. It’s trust. I pursued Hispanic Studies not only because I wanted to communicate with more patients, but because I wanted to understand the nuances of culture, family dynamics, and health beliefs. Being able to speak to someone in their native language—especially when they’re scared or vulnerable—can be the difference between comfort and confusion, between fear and empowerment. Even when I’m not fluent in someone’s language, showing effort and cultural awareness builds bridges. It tells patients, “You matter.”

You were involved in Narcan training with Stop The Crisis Philly during college. How did that shape your views on harm reduction and public health? 
That work was profoundly impactful. We were teaching undergrads how to administer Narcan, de-stigmatizing opioid use, and equipping people to potentially save lives. It opened my eyes to the reality that public health isn’t just about policies—it’s about grassroots education, meeting people where they are, and making life-saving tools accessible. Harm reduction is compassionate care. It acknowledges that all people don’t have to be perfect to deserve help. That perspective now informs how I think about addiction, mental health, and health equity in general. Unfortunately, STC no longer exists, but I’m so grateful for my time in it, and continue the mission as much as possible. I encourage everyone to understand how and when to use Narcan, and to carry it if they can. You never know if or when you’ll need it.

You were a teaching assistant in anatomy and physiology at Penn. What did you enjoy most about that role? 
Teaching solidified my own learning in a way nothing else could. Explaining complex systems to students helped me to understand them on a deeper level. But more than that, I loved mentoring—seeing someone’s face light up when something finally clicked, or watching a nervous freshman grow into a confident pre-clinical student. It also reminded me of the importance of patience and encouragement. Everyone learns differently, and everyone needs someone in their corner. Being that person for my students was deeply rewarding.

What are some of your favorite memories from your time working at Saxbys on campus? 
Saxbys was more than a coffee shop—it was a community hub. I met professors, classmates, staff, and visitors from all walks of life. It was a refreshing break from clinical rigor, where I could still serve people, just in a different way. I learned customer service, time management, and how to stay composed during stressful moments. I remember learning our regulars’ go-to drink orders and laughing with coworkers behind the counter. That job helped keep me anchored in the “real world” during a demanding academic time.

Outside of nursing, what helps you stay grounded and inspired? 
Photography is a big one. There’s something meditative about capturing a moment and preserving it, especially candid shots of friends and pets. I love to try to capture unique perspectives, using framing, lighting, and a good telephoto lens to show a new side of the subject. I also read a lot—fiction, essays, anything that stretches my imagination or deepens my understanding of one thing or another. Museums are my favorite place to go in every new city I visit. I especially love contemporary art, because it helps me to see the world through someone else’s eyes. And honestly, playing card games with my friends keeps me sane. Those nights remind me who I am outside of my work—just a guy who loves a good laugh and a heated round of Uno.

What do you hope to do next in your career, and how do you see yourself growing as a nurse?
I believe I have a lot to offer the field. Ideally, I want to find a space that values both clinical excellence and personal care—a place that welcomes the full scope of who I am. I’m open to working in med-surg, step-down, or even community-based health. Long-term, I’d love to integrate my interests in education, advocacy, and research—maybe through primary or psychiatric care, nursing education, or communications. Nursing isn’t just a job for me. It’s a calling to heal, to educate, and to help people maintain their dignity in their toughest moments. That’s the work I want to keep doing, in whatever form it takes.

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