... a patient was discharged from the hospital and returned the following day folding over in pain and with a list of complaints. The patient demanded to see an administrator but was referred to Candace. The patient approached the staffing glass window, outraged and with poor demeanor. Maintaining compassion and professional image, Candace was not only noting the patient's complaints but also noted the patient's poor physical appearance. The patient was advised to be re-evaluated in the emergency department but the patient denied the need - with fury.

Candace continued to patiently listen to the patient while still strongly suggesting to the patient that she needed to be re-evaluated. The patient continued to refuse but eventually was able to be convinced that her pain and pale appearance was not normal and needed immediate medical attention.

A few days later during rounds we saw the patient who was status post emergency surgery due to a perforated appendix. During this visit the patient stated, "No one cared, no one was listening, but thank God I listened to you, Candace, because you SAVED MY LIFE. If you hadn't convinced me to go to the ER, I would've gone home to die."

There is no greater value than knowing a patient acknowledges when you were a factor in saving their life. Seeing this humble composure, I knew a "DAISY" moment had just occurred. An extraordinary nurse, Candace McLaughlin, deserves to be recognized with the DAISY Award.