May 2023
Cheryl
Benson
,
RN
8 Buck-Ortho, Neuro, Trauma
Danbury Hospital
Danbury
,
CT
United States
This is a common occurrence for Cheryl, who has a special way of touching her patients and their families.
Earlier this year, a 24-year-old female was admitted to 8 Buck. This young lady thought she was coming to the ER due to constipation and was in fact about to get a diagnosis that would change her entire world. She was being admitted for a large cancerous pelvic mass.
From the time of her arrival on the unit, Cheryl went into full caregiver “mom” mode. Not only was she providing exceptional care for the patient, but she was also providing the emotional support, honesty, and humor that the patient’s parents so desperately needed at this time.
Upon entering the room following the surgeon discussing diagnosis for the first time, Cheryl quickly assessed the room and through her hallmark humor was able to get the room laughing and bring down the fear and sadness. From the start, she clearly bonded with this family and the patient's mother in particular. In this terrifying time, when decisions needed to be made quickly, Cheryl did not hesitate to embrace the patient’s mother, allow her to speak freely, ask questions, and seek permission to make hard decisions. When more testing was done and metastatic lesions were found, Cheryl once again was there for this patient and family, going to the gift shop and getting flowers for the mom and a bear for the patient. The bear was pink because of course, after only one shift, Cheryl knew this was the patient’s favorite color. Cheryl’s impact on this family was also seen when the patient’s mother took the time to reach out to Cheryl after discharge to update her on where she would be seeking treatment and what the next steps were that they were facing. Above all, she reached out to thank Cheryl for her kindness, honesty, and compassion.
While this is a beautiful story of true nursing caring and compassion, this is a common occurrence for Cheryl, who has a special way of touching her patients and their families. The compassion she puts into her profession every day never ceases to amaze me. She has a special way with patients, knowing just when a laugh, a hug, or tough love is in order. Cheryl’s dedication is a true example of a DAISY Honoree.
From the time of her arrival on the unit, Cheryl went into full caregiver “mom” mode. Not only was she providing exceptional care for the patient, but she was also providing the emotional support, honesty, and humor that the patient’s parents so desperately needed at this time.
Upon entering the room following the surgeon discussing diagnosis for the first time, Cheryl quickly assessed the room and through her hallmark humor was able to get the room laughing and bring down the fear and sadness. From the start, she clearly bonded with this family and the patient's mother in particular. In this terrifying time, when decisions needed to be made quickly, Cheryl did not hesitate to embrace the patient’s mother, allow her to speak freely, ask questions, and seek permission to make hard decisions. When more testing was done and metastatic lesions were found, Cheryl once again was there for this patient and family, going to the gift shop and getting flowers for the mom and a bear for the patient. The bear was pink because of course, after only one shift, Cheryl knew this was the patient’s favorite color. Cheryl’s impact on this family was also seen when the patient’s mother took the time to reach out to Cheryl after discharge to update her on where she would be seeking treatment and what the next steps were that they were facing. Above all, she reached out to thank Cheryl for her kindness, honesty, and compassion.
While this is a beautiful story of true nursing caring and compassion, this is a common occurrence for Cheryl, who has a special way of touching her patients and their families. The compassion she puts into her profession every day never ceases to amaze me. She has a special way with patients, knowing just when a laugh, a hug, or tough love is in order. Cheryl’s dedication is a true example of a DAISY Honoree.