Cheryl Lindstrom, RN, BSN

I am nominating Cheryl, my PACU nurse, for the DAISY Award because she provided exceptional care during my appendectomy, staying by my side through the entire process. As a nurse on S4, I work with surgical patients regularly, but being in the patient role was a new and challenging experience. Having never undergone surgery before, it was difficult to suddenly be the patient, needing to put all of your trust into your care team. Cheryl made that transition a breeze. When I arrived for surgery, Cheryl was there to guide me. Before the procedure, she calmly explained everything that would happen, which helped ease not only my nerves but my husband's as well.

After the surgery, she was right there again, helping me wake up from anesthesia and making sure I understood each step in my recovery. What really stood out to me was Cheryl's positive attitude and genuine care. Despite being an add-on case, something I know can be annoying, she never showed any frustration. Instead, she reassured me that it was 'no problem’, and I felt like I was her top priority the entire time.

Cheryl mentioned that many patients don't remember her due to the anesthesia, but I will never forget her. Her presence throughout the whole experience has given me a new perspective on how I care for my own patients. She is a remarkable nurse and even though I was her patient, I felt like I learned so much from her. Cheryl is the best!