Hannah is a new graduate nurse, who has been off orientation for a few months. Hannah has a huge heart and displays endless compassion to each and every one of her patients, regardless of the circumstance, each and every day. One story has particularly stuck with me. We had a patient on 4A who was really sick. Her cancer was getting the best of her. After unsuccessful chemotherapy and radiation, the patient had come to the decision that she wanted quality of life versus quantity. The patient and family had decided to have palliative care and hospice. Through the transition of being a Full Code with actively being treated with chemo and radiation, to becoming a DNR and comfort care, Hannah held the hand of her patient the entire way. Hannah provided unlimited comfort to not only the patient but to the family. This patient had a grandson who was to graduate in early June. The patient understood that she would not make it to June to see her grandson graduate. This, of course, was very hard for the patient and the family. 4A and the Cancer Center worked with the grandson's school and the family and were able to provide a graduation ceremony on 4A at the bedside. Hannah was able to assist in organizing this, in addition to preparing the patient and the family. The graduation ceremony was small and intimate, at the patient's bedside. The patient had the opportunity to see her grandson graduate with Honors from High School and be presented his diploma. She even had the opportunity to share a piece of graduation cake with her grandson; a small taste.

The ceremony was beautiful. Hannah held the patient's hand and comforted her through the ceremony. The patient shortly passed, not long after the ceremony. The family came back to the floor to thank the staff for the care their mother received while she was here. More specifically, the family recognized Hannah for her compassion throughout the entire journey. The patient's daughter spoke to me directly about how compassionate Hannah was throughout her mother's stay. She described to me the bond that she and the patient had with Hannah, bringing tears to my eyes. The patient's Obituary stated, "the family wishes to thank the Bayhealth Oncology staff, the staff on 4A, especially nurse Hannah...". The DAISY Award is presented to an Extraordinary Nurse who shows endless compassion. Hannah is a true DAISY Nurse.