Sara June Dagen
January 2024
Sara June
Dagen
,
BSN, RN
Ambulatory, Neurosurgery
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Boston
,
MA
United States

 

 

 

M and I consider Sara to be a member of our family. We have pictures of us with Sara to remind us of the one person who has shown us so much loving care.
In 2010, my wife was diagnosed with a brain Aneurysm wrapped around her left optic nerve. From that point on the push was on to fix it. Sarah ALWAYS stayed in contact with us leading up to the surgery. She would call my wife (M) every other day, nights, weekends, to check on her and to assure her everything on their end was all set. The day of the 12 hour surgery (the longest day of my life), M ended up in a room with another patient. I personally called Sara to ask her about this situation. She asked me if they offered a private suite for her, which I explained no. Sara took care of the arrangements. We were moved upstairs shortly thereafter.

In 2016, we moved to Florida for 7 years, continuing M's scans there, and there never was any concern even though M knew something was not right. Jump ahead to 2013, when we moved back to Massachusetts to be grandparents. M reached out to Sara and the doctor to set up an appointment; she sent along the scans from the Florida doctors. M got a call from Sara that they were not happy with the scans and would like her to get new scans. Sara made an appointment for new scans on a Sunday with a follow-up appointment with the doctor the next day in Boston. Having said that, during the first surgery, she was in a halo head stabilizer, and one of the screw locations became a legion that continued to grow with a lot of pain and facial drooping, and her hands were weak. On the Monday of the appointment, Sara spoke with M multiple times to confirm and give directions. The doctor told us M needed to have surgery again to remove possible tumors. Surgery was scheduled and performed the day after Christmas. We were home by 1 pm. Sara called everyday or evening to check on M.

We returned weeks later for follow-up and staple removal. M was petrified about the pain to remove the 11 staples. Sara has such a gentle touch that M never felt it, and could not believe that they were out. She has the hands and heart of an angel. M and I have been to many appointments, and NO nurse has gone above and beyond the call of duty to check on their patient more than Sara has. Sarah is the most caring human being. M's medical history would have been a whole lot worse if it were not for Sara's presence. M and I consider Sara to be a member of our family. We have pictures of us with Sara to remind us of the one person who has shown us so much loving care. Don't get me wrong, our two doctors are the best doctors, but it is Sarah who continues the follow-up care that makes the recovery so much more enjoyable to the point that we look forward to our appointments so we can see Sara. This and all other awards should be given to Sara June Dagan, for the work that she does is not a quality you find in nurses these days.

***

My nurse, Sara, is an absolute example of compassion, empathy, and selflessness. In 2010, at Brigham and Women's Hospital, we began the journey of my surgery for a brain aneurysm and again continued in 2023 for another brain surgery. From 2010 until now, she has gone above and beyond to show her level of care for my whole person. I have a family of nurses, firefighters, and police officers. I know the meaning of protecting and serving another human being. Sara is always ahead of me with whatever questions or needs I have. Sara is so kind, and she has a tone that is calming and reassuring. The emotional support she provides is a gift to both my husband and myself. Everyone in my family knows about Sara, and I always tell everyone how special she is as a human being and as a nurse. Her phone calls and scheduling appointments really take the worry out of healing. My husband and I have been truly blessed to have Sara as my nurse and our friend who not only serves with a smile but healing hugs, too. We nominate Sara because she works endlessly with all she has to make us feel at ease. We always leave our appointments thanking God she is our nurse.