Terry Leo

I would like to nominate Terry Leo for the DAISY Award. When you look up dedicated nurse in the dictionary I think you would see her picture. When asked about why she became a nurse she just says she always wanted to become one. Whenever Terry talks about being a nurse she always uses the word “passionate” which is exactly what she is when it comes to her patients. Many times we have nursing students come to our department. Terry is very diligent in showing the students the right way of performing nursing tasks and techniques. She also discusses with them the importance of nursing.

Our patients in our department have a variety of backgrounds, and sometimes have unique problems. Terry helped patients find caregivers to help them through their illness. She has given patients advocates when it comes to notifying the primary physician of changes in the patient’s medical condition. Terry has a great sense of humor and always welcomes the patients with a joke or a funny story and usually gets the patients and family laughing before they leave the hospital. Terry listens to the patients’ needs and problems and helps them come up with a solution.

For many years, Terry has come to the hospital every Sunday to provide communion for patients and staff. If she is out of town, she arranges for someone to take her place.

In our department many of the patients become like family. This past year one of our frequent patients, who was diagnosed with cancer was admitted to the hospital under hospice care. This patient has very few resources and no family. She became very close to Terry, who she referred to as Mrs. Leo. Terry would come in on her days off to visit the patient and bring her gifts and talk with her.

Another patient this year was also diagnosed with cancer and on hospice became very close to Terry. She and her family depended on her for support and advice. One weekend she knew the patient was down and in need of some TLC. Terry went over to her house with her pedicure kit and gave the patient a pedicure at home. On the patient’s final visit to the hospital the family called Terry at home to be with them to get her settled in the hospital. Terry arrived right away and helped them as a friend making her comfortable in her room. When both of these patients passed away, Terry attended both of their funerals and supported the families in the days after.

Terry is also very supportive of her co-workers. Whenever anyone is sick or has a sick family member Terry always is the first top call and see what she can do and always sends a card. Recently she gave a catered lunch and gifts given to pharmacy department for pharmacy week because she felt as though they were not appreciated enough for all the work they do. These and many other reasons are why I believe Terry Leo should be nominated for the DAISY Award.