I have been in the hospital for way longer than anticipated. It's taking a toll on me mentally, physically, and emotionally. Throughout my stay, I have encountered several nurses, all of whom are nice and do their job. However, Emma is a nurse that is unlike any of the other nurses I've had. From day one, Emma has fought relentlessly on my behalf and been my biggest advocate. My case is complex and unusual, but that has never once stopped or intimated Emma. To say that she went above and beyond is an understatement, not just with my care but exemplifying who she is. Emma has a heart of gold, and she made me feel at ease right away. Emma's bedside demeanor made me feel safe, heard, and validated. The positive impact she has made in my life is something I can't put into words, but it's a feeling of safety, security, and protection. A sensation of calmness, one that makes me believe everything is going to be okay. It's not often that I will go out of my way to compliment a medical professional. After many years of being chronically ill, I've learned the hard way that doctors, nurses, NPs, PAs, etc are afraid to take ownership of me because I'm "too complex." Emma, on the other hand, dove right in, took me under her wing, and proved that there ARE dedicated providers. If Emma didn't know the answer, she didn't hesitate to admit she didn't know but assured me she would ask, and we would figure it out together. It never failed. 

Every single time my door opened and I saw Emma, I immediately knew it was going to be a great day. I've learned that during hospital stays, it's often the nurses who make or break a stay. I can say, from the core of my heart, that Emma is easily one of the BEST nurses I've ever had, if not the best. She always manages to find the right words, is a never-ending ear to lend and she always has the perfect balance of between giving me the harsh truth in a gentle manner, and laughing at silly things that no one else would understand - but that's because Emma took the time to know me as a human, and not just a patient. The dedication Emma shows to her patients and the medical field shines so brightly. Her laugh is infectious, she has an unsquashable zest for life, and it's clear that she was meant to help others. I have had breakdowns in front of Emma, and she is always so understanding and positive. She is a walking ray of sunshine. I struggle with my mental health without being inpatient, and being inpatient has caused me extra anxiety. Emma has helped my mental health tremendously. If I can be half as good as Emma, I'd be winning at life. When Emma is with me, I know she is giving me the attention I need. She often knew what I needed when I didn't know myself. I have never had a nurse be so genuine, down to earth, and wickedly smart - to name a few traits. Emma is a nurse I will remember for the rest of my life. The positive impact she's made on me is irreversible. I have no doubt that Emma has changed the lives of other patients like she has changed mine.

I am so incredibly grateful to have had Emma as my nurse. She has given me hope that there are medical professionals who aren't scared of a complex case and will fight by my side no matter what. I truly hope Emma will get recognized, and she deserves it. It would mean so much to me, as one of her patients, if she received the DAISY Award.