I would like to recommend Alyssa Schutt for the DAISY-In-Training Award for her kind, and compassionate care to her dying hospice patient last year when she was a student in NRS340.  Alyssa was able to create a caring relationship with her older adult patient with her attentive care and patience during 2 days of clinical.  Alyssa sat in the room with her patient and visited with her as the patient discussed her life.  Alyssa bathed her and comforted her as this patient discussed knowing that her life would be over soon.  Alyssa listened and supported her.  She kept her company, asked about her family, looked at pictures in the room, shared laughter and stories, and assisted her with sips of water during 2 days of care.  Alyssa was scheduled to complete a clinical make-up day the following week and asked if she could care again for this patient.  So, the following week, Alyssa cared for this patient again.  Now this patient was in the active phase of dying and death was imminent.  Again, Alyssa sat calmly and comfortably in the room with her patient.  She kept the room peaceful and quiet. As her patient neared death, Alyssa held her hand and those of us in the room began to read a spiritual passage to the patient.  Alyssa 's patient died peacefully holding Alyssa 's hand.  Alyssa was tearful but calm. She had assisted in creating a dignified and peaceful death with her willingness to be present and bring witness to this experience.  
It was clear that this was Alyssa 's first experience with caring for a dying person. However, it was not Alyssa 's first experience of creating a caring relationship.  Because of the relationship that she had established the week before, Alyssa was able to gather her courage and compassion to enable her to remain present and bring comfort to this special woman in her final hours and minutes of life.  It is for Alyssa 's courage and compassionate care that I nominate her for the DAISY-In-Training Award.