This is an excerpt of the two nominations and supporting letter written about Merry.
Nomination Letter #1
A patient writes . . . I have been in the hospital for over a week and have one shining, bright RN named Merry who has given me the best medical care for three days. She explains everything fully and why it is necessary. She made me feel almost like I was family by how much she cared. One day to prevent blood clots Merry took me on a walk, but shortly after starting my pain became too much to handle. She started apologizing for the discomfort it caused and called the doctor for pain meds right away. She stayed with me until I was calm and again apologized saying she never would have made me walk in the first place if she would have known the pain it would cause.
Each day Merry made me more comfortable from the physical, mental and emotionally painful disease I have been suffering with. She eliminated my fears and anxiety about being in the hospital.
My girlfriend stayed at my bedside for the entire time and Merry helped her understand how to help take care of me and keep me safe. She was very patient in helping her understand the different activities that would help me. She also gave her the sense that she was helping and not being useless. Every day Merry communicated the plan for the day, what was expected, hoped for and so on. She also listened to my fears, expectations and what my daily hopes were.
During my stay there was an unexpected event when I felt like I would pass out – Merry quickly called in other nurses to help her access the situation. She acted quickly and diligently which demonstrates her ability to work with others while still keeping me calm through a very scary episode.
I believe Merry deserves the DAISY Award at the very least for the extraordinary, friendly, outgoing and best medical care I’ve ever received. That says something considering my Mom has been a nurse for over 30 years and my healthcare expectations could not be any higher! Merry is a superstar!
Supporting letter written by the patient’s girlfriend:
My boyfriend was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease last year and has been in and out of the hospital ever since. So far, we have been at Good Samaritan a little over a week and it has by far been the best experience we have had at any hospital. One nurse in particular has stood out Merry Zhang has been absolutely amazing. When we first met Merry she was extremely warm and welcoming. We have been to six hospitals this year and have never had a nurse that cared as much as Merry. It’s as if she puts a personal touch on everything she does. Because of his flare ups he has been in incredible pain and has been on many different medications. Merry was able to keep his medication schedule on time to keep him as comfortable as possible. She was quick to call the doctor if he needed help and was constantly checking up on him. We really looked forward to her visits and it was wonderful to see him smile when she walked in the door. She included me in everything she did and made sure we understood why she was doing it.
All together I think Merry made this hospital visit the most comfortable, respectful and effective visit we have ever had and I strongly believe Merry deserves recognition for her wonderful work!
Nomination Letter #2
A patient’s family member writes . . . Merry is a terrific nurse always there for the patient and family with a smile – helpful – very kind and seems she feels like she should do more for the patient to make him more comfortable. She never ignores him – God bless this nurse!