Crystal is a phenomenal nurse every day of the week. She always puts a smile on the faces of her patients, their families and her team members. One day last week, Crystal was completing pre-op phone calls for our surgical patients for the next day. She noticed that one of the patients was currently in the Lumpkin ED. She walked over to the ED, introduced herself to the patient and his family, and let them know she would be caring for him the next day in preparation for surgery. The patient stated he was ready for surgery, but since he had been in the ED for a few hours, he hadn't had an opportunity to eat much and that he just wanted some Lance peanut butter crackers. Crystal left work, purchased the patient the particular crackers he was craving, and brought them back to the hospital. Crystal sat with the patient and answered questions he and his family had about surgery the next day. She eased his anxiety and went the extra mile to ensure this patient felt like he was the only patient Crystal had. Crystal is a true asset to the NGHS family, and the Lumpkin team and she should be recognized for always treating her patients like her own family. 

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Crystal went above and beyond for a patient who was scheduled for an outpatient surgery. This patient was supposed to have surgery and then go home, but after investigating a little, the staff realized she had an unsafe situation at home and being discharged wouldn't be in the best interest of the patient. Crystal took on the task of bringing up this concern in PACU to the provider/surgeon and coordinating with him and the inpatient hospitalist to get an admit order. She also assisted the surgeon with EPIC due to the fact he doesn't use it in his office. Crystal went above and beyond for this patient and was a team player in helping the providers with their computer work.

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Crystal went above and beyond from the very beginning of my surgery day at the hospital. I have had several surgeries over the past couple of years, so unfortunately, I am no stranger to surgery day, but this day was the best experience I have ever had, and all this was because of Crystal. I have severe anxiety, and typically, my B/P gets elevated on surgery day, and emotions run high. This was not the case on this day because she was so calm and positive the entire time. She went out of her way to keep me calm and to assure me that everything I was feeling was ok. I never once got upset or felt out of sorts and this was because of Crystal. She was so kind to me and answered all my questions before, during, and when I woke up. She always had a smile on her face and was very knowledgeable about everything! I also am a “hard stick,” as many nurses over the years say, and getting an IV is slim to none without lots of attempts and pain. Crystal got my IV complete first try with no issues and no pain for me, which was amazing in my eyes! With all this being said, a lot of times, good people go overlooked, and I didn’t want this to happen with Crystal because she deserves to be acknowledged for all she does and, in my eyes, is very deserving of the DAISY Award. God blessed me beyond words with having her as my nurse. 

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This nurse goes above and beyond to help out everyone on their unit. She constantly takes her time to make sure everyone is okay. You can feel the positive impact she is making every day.