Being a patient is never easy, but being a patient and a veteran nurse is almost impossible. I had the experience of being both and Carmen helped to ease my way. Preparing to go to emergency surgery I had all the tears, doubts and questions any patient has. Carmen came into my room, asked all the visitors to leave and held my hand. She made me realize that I was a patient and allowed me to verbalize my feelings and concerns. She was compassionate to my needs and showed me respect while listening to my fears. After our talk I had the courage and faith that everything was going to be alright, and was ready to face what was ahead by using her clinical excellence in nursing knowledge.

I will always hold a special place in my heart for Carmen and that is the reason I am nominating her for the DAISY Award.