I would like to nominate April Zettle, RN, for the DAISY Award as a nurse who has made a meaningful difference in the care she provides. April consistently provides exceptional care and in a professional manner. April persistently advocates on behalf of the patients in the Cancer Care Center. A most recent example of her exceptional care was demonstrated when a 85-year female needed an ERCP procedure. April coordinated the procedure to be performed at an external facility, within a few days. The day before the scheduled procedure, April received a call from the hospital stating that the patient's insurance was out of network and could not be performed at their facility. Knowing how this patient was suffering, and now her care would be further delayed, April spent most of 2 days advocating for this lady. April maintained open communication with the patient, providing regular updates on her efforts. Despite encountering unforeseen obstacles with obtaining prior authorization and facilities in network, April’s determination never wavered. The procedure had to be cancelled for the original date, and April worked with the approved facility staff and got her schedule for the following date. The patient was grateful for April's time she spent coordinating the care along with educating her regarding her Medicare replacement plan. This is just one example of how April advocates for the patients and families she serves in the Cancer Care unit.

In December of 2023 we had been treating a 63-year-old patient who was a member of April’s community. A few months after her passing, the patient's husband came in and asked to talk to April. He shared that he had also experienced some significant health changes since his wife’s passing. He came in to thank April for her compassion and making their journey more manageable. In October 2024 we said goodbye to a 46-year young lady. Her husband came in the next day after her passing to thank all the staff involved in her care but made a special effort to recognize April for all of her efforts of going above and beyond to make their journey more manageable as well.

In November 2024 came my personal cancer journey story. April has been an incredible support to me in ensuring all the steps have been met to coordinate my sister’s care. April has reached out to me off hours to provide emotional support and she led our family in pray the day of my sister’s surgery. I know firsthand the unconditional love, compassion, and empathy that she provides to the patients and families every day and with every encounter. 

April demonstrates natural leadership skills in a professional manner. Her communication and collaboration with peers, interdisciplinary teams, and families are admirable. April’s strong faith is evident as she is mindful of the spiritual needs of her patients and takes time to listen from her heart. As the patients' and families' journey comes to an end, April is there to offer hugs and let the patients and families know she will pray for peace.