On behalf of MCHS-FH Nursing, I would like to nominate Ryan Gorman and Amy Fries for the DAISY award winners for August. Ryan and Amy coordinated the team that took care of me during my hospital stay post hip replacement surgery on July 24th and I could not have been more pleased with my care.

When it was determined that I needed hip replacement surgery, many assumed I would have this done in Rochester. To be honest, I never considered it. I felt strongly, and responded as such, that we "have excellent nursing care here!" While I recognize that a surgery like this takes a large team of folks, pre-operatively, during surgery, after surgery, and into recovery, the nursing care during my hospital stay meant the most to me. I often wondered who might "draw the short straw" from the 3rd floor nursing staff on that fateful weekend that I was the patient. While I don't really see myself as intimidating, it is not easy taking care of the "Chief Nursing Officer", where I am sure the staff felt under the microscope the whole time.

Indeed, with Ryan and Amy, I did not feel that way. They did everything right. First, and probably most importantly, they took care of my pain and comfort needs. They consistently asked about my pain and comfort level, and, with limited mobility, re-positioned me often to avoid discomfort.

They assured my safety by consistently asking my name and DOB, with no apologies and, made sure both I and my family members knew I was a fall risk and how important it was to call for help.

They consistently used and updated the whiteboard so I knew the names of the PCTs caring for me as well (another great group!) and worked with them as a team to meet my needs. Intentional Rounding and Bedside shift report were consistently done. I never felt abandoned and used my call light only very rarely; as I always knew someone would be by soon. I also, as a patient, really appreciated the handoff at shift change and the shift report in my room. It made me feel included in my care and part of my care, versus something being done to me. Indeed, both of them made me feel that I was an important part of my recovery and the care they provided was individualized for me.

Ryan and Amy also made my family feel welcomed and a part of "the team". They were often asked "can I get anything for you?" and never made them feel in the way.

While I am sure I was probably put in the category of "model patient" and that both Ryan and Amy might say "aww, it was nothing", good nursing care, while often feeling invisible, means so much to the patient. It anticipates needs, looks for trends, assures emotional comfort and fears are addressed, advocates for the patient, is the coordinator to communicate to other team members in a way that connects all the dots along the way and connects to resources that might be needed. I thought of our Relationship Based Care delivery model many times during my hospital stay and the care I received did indeed model care for patient/family, care for colleagues, and even care for self, as both talked about their personal lives beyond work and the importance of family, friends, and time off. I also clearly saw demonstrated our 7 roles of the Mayo Nursing Professional Model of Care, Caring Healer, Communicator, Transformational Leader along the way.

I could not be prouder of the care I received from these 2 young RNs. While I certainly appreciate everyone's assistance along the way and recognize that "Nursing is a team sport", I would like to call out Ryan and Amy for nomination of the DAISY award for August. They indeed "drew the short straw" but met the challenge with grace, professionalism and the highest degree of integrity. Thank you!

Note: Amy received her DAISY Award in March so this spotlight is for Ryan alone.