While my father was hospitalized at the McGuire VA hospital, one nurse provided our family with exceptional communication and support during a very critical time. The nurse was Cindy Falls.

My father arrived in the emergency room during an arctic blast and severe snow and ice storm, experiencing heart failure. His condition was serious, and he was taken to the Cath lab for evaluation. Two days later, he required the placement of two stents, with Cindy serving as his nurse.

Due to the storm, we were unable to reach the hospital before his procedure and were unsure where to wait for updates. While we sat in the ICU family waiting room, Cindy came to speak with us and realized that we had not received information.

She took the time to assess what we knew, addressed our concerns, and arranged for a physician to speak with us. She clearly explained the procedure and hospital process, which helped us feel informed and included during this time.

Three days later, my father returned to the Cath lab for an additional stent. Although Cindy wasn’t assigned to him that day, she noticed us in the family waiting room, checked on my father, and provided us with an update, reassuring us that the longer procedure time wasn’t unusual.

Her calm demeanor helped ease our anxiety, and she went out of her way to offer comfort, including a warm blanket on a very cold day while my 84-year-old mother waited with us.

Cindy’s compassion and attentiveness significantly reduced the stress of an already challenging experience. Her presence alone was reassuring, and I am deeply grateful for the care and kindness she showed our family.

She truly went above and beyond, and her actions left a lasting impression on us.

Thank you, Cindy Falls; you are so deserving of the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses.