I recently had the privilege of meeting one of your nurses. I have been a nurse for 15 years, so I can be a bit critical when it comes to the care of my family. This nurse was more than I ever expected, and I feel compelled to share my story.
My father has been admitted and is presently there. Carolyn has been his nurse most of the days he has been there. Carolyn is a professional; it is clear that she has a wonderful knowledge base, and I knew my dad would be in safe hands. But, what makes Carolyn shine was the compassion she showed my dad. A man with severe end-stage COPD with high anxiety and difficulty coping, Carolyn eased him through his panic moments and periods of extreme sob. She reassured him, held his hand, and made him feel like she would make it all better. And many times, she did. She advocated for my dad when she felt his needs were not being met. As a family member of a sick parent, not knowing what's going on makes things so scary. Yet, that was never the case with Carolyn. Every time I visited, she would fill me in on everything--tests, plans, meds, etc. She called me, sometimes several times a day, to ensure that I was always kept in the loop.
Being a nurse, I truly never realized how much of an impact we make on our patients' lives. It completely overwhelms me with emotion when I think of how wonderful Carolyn has been through this whole process. I truly cannot thank her enough. And honestly, until she too must go through a difficult situation and hopefully has a wonderful nurse as she has been, will Carolyn realize the effect she has had on me and my dad. I am not sure where the road is leading or if Dad will come out of this OK, but I want everyone to know that I will never forget Carolyn. I will never forget how she made my dad feel in his time of struggle. Carolyn symbolizes everything The DAISY Award stands for. I hope that when she is awarded, I can be there to give her a big hug, and I hope my dad can do the same.