I stayed overnight with my father-in-law, as a familiar face, should he wake up and not know where he was. He was admitted through the ER and diagnosed with an infection on his spine and in his blood. As we settled in for the night, lights out, and family gone home - I witnessed a drastic change in his personality. He was a different person and very determined to leave the bed and hospital. He was hallucinating and highly agitated. When Elizabeth and D would enter the room, he would calm down. Over time, I became internally distressed. I realized that I was not the calming person. I was causing him distress because I would not get him out of the bed. Elizabeth must have seen me crumbling inside. As I pulled away and sat out of his sight, I was provided a warm blanket. It felt like the hug I desperately needed. Elizabeth took a seat at the room computer and told H she would stay and do some work form there. She spoke softly and assured him everything would be okay. I was deeply touched by her natural compassion and care. She executed her duties with precision. She addressed my growing concerns and contacted the doctor numerous times to consult on options to help H.

She and D worked so well as a team. I witnessed elite-level professionalism. Elizabeth never lost her focus or calm as the situation with him escalated. She gave me assurance, and I leaned on her words heavily to calm myself. I have the deepest trust and respect for Elizabeth. When she shared that the blood cultures were growing, I knew in my heart she was trying to tell me his behavior was part of his illness. She spoke with such professional empathy. I was fatigued physically and emotionally, so I called in my family. I needed them, but I felt strongly about protecting H's privacy and not sharing the full story of the night experience. Please consider Elizabeth for the DAISY Award. She is a gifted nurse and a compassionate human being.