March 2025
Cheryl
Brown
,
RN
LDRP
ProMedica Charles and Virginia Hickman Hospital
Adrian
,
MI
United States
Cheryl is the kind of nurse you want by your side in your first moments of parenthood, showing you the ropes and making you feel confident when confidence is the last thing you feel when handed a tiny human for the first time.
I am thrilled to nominate Cheryl Brown, L&D RN, for The DAISY Award to recognize her exceptional care, compassion, and ability to make a truly lasting impact during one of the most significant times in our lives. I first met Cheryl during my last non-stress test and she gave me the first of two steroid shots ahead of my induction. From that first interaction, I instantly knew I liked her. Cheryl’s warmth, kindness, and genuine nature immediately resonated with me. I remember going home after that and telling my husband, “I met the nurse I hope to have!” A couple of days later, induction day arrived. To my delight, Cheryl greeted us at the door of the unit, showed us to our room, and, as if fate had intervened, she was indeed our nurse. She made what could have been an overwhelming experience feel so much lighter. Unfortunately, Cheryl was not there for the delivery itself (which is a different story—it took a while), but she was there during the early moments of the induction/labor and again after our daughter was born. Cheryl is the kind of nurse who makes you feel calm and reassured, even when you are scared or uncertain. She has this comforting way about her when she says, “Hang in there, kiddo,” and makes you feel like everything will be okay, even when the process is taking forever and still so many unknowns to factor. Her motherly warmth and calm presence were exactly what I needed. Cheryl’s conversations with us were so genuine and not just obligatory small talk. We feel like we got to know her and likewise, her getting to know us; after all, we were not going anywhere fast. Cheryl is the kind of nurse you want by your side in your first moments of parenthood, showing you the ropes and making you feel confident when confidence is the last thing you feel when handed a tiny human for the first time. She is the kind of nurse you hope to have nurturing you when you are at your most vulnerable, exhausted, and hurting, especially after a 41-hour labor. The respect she had for me did not go unnoticed as she assessed the damages, helped me figure out postpartum care, and maneuvered through those first few breastfeeding sessions. In my most unflattering time and during raw moments flooded with overwhelming feelings, she still somehow made me feel human and not the tired shell of a person I actually felt at this point in our stay. Throughout the entire experience of bringing our daughter into the world, Cheryl was a bright light. Every person involved in our care was fantastic, but Cheryl stood out. Cheryl exemplifies what it means to be a nurse, blending exceptional clinical skills with deep compassion. Her ability to make her patients feel seen, heard, and valued is a gift. She made an already special time in our lives even more extraordinary with her personal touch, compassion, and unwavering support. Cheryl is a true gem in her profession, and we will forever be grateful for her role in our journey. She is a shining example of everything a nurse should be, and I cannot think of anyone more deserving of The DAISY Award.