Crystal Lehmann
May 2026
Crystal
Lehmann
,
BSN, RN,PHN, CCRN,VA-BC
Critical Care Float Pool
Rady Children’s Health – Orange County
Orange
,
CA
United States
I truly believe her actions saved my son’s life.
My family traveled from Chicago to California in late December for what was meant to be a family vacation. Shortly after arriving, our son, B, rapidly declined and was admitted to CHOC with pneumonia. Despite antibiotics, his condition worsened significantly. Fluid accumulated in his pleural space, shifting his heart and esophagus to the right side of his chest. He required a chest tube, supplemental oxygen, and was placed on CHOC’s “watcher” list due to high risk of ICU transfer.
During this critical moment, we met Crystal Lehmann, RN.
Crystal immediately recognized the severity of B’s condition. With calm professionalism, she clearly explained what was happening and why it was dangerous. She identified that the chest tube had become clogged and that immediate intervention was necessary to prevent further deterioration. Using her clinical expertise and leadership, she urgently mobilized the medical team while simultaneously stabilizing the chest tube system within her scope of practice.
When the physicians arrived, Crystal confidently and clearly presented B’s situation. She guided them step-by-step through clearing the obstruction from the chest tube system and explained how to remove the blockage using syringes, something she herself knew how to do but could not perform as a nurse. Under her guidance, large amounts of thick, infected fluid were removed, the system was flushed, and the chest tube began draining properly. This intervention relieved pressure on B’s heart and lungs and stabilized his condition.
After the physicians left, Crystal stayed. She carefully monitored the drainage, explained everything to us in terms we could understand, and helped calm us during one of the most frightening moments of our lives.
Crystal’s compassion extended far beyond clinical care. When she learned we were alone in California, paying hundreds of dollars for a hotel and transportation while our other children stayed elsewhere, she told us, “You are not alone. We are your support system.” Within minutes, she coordinated with social work and the Ronald McDonald House. Within an hour, we had a room, eliminating a major financial burden and allowing us to focus entirely on our son.
B was later diagnosed with severe necrotizing pneumonia and remained hospitalized for over a month, requiring additional chest tubes and advanced surgical intervention. Throughout this time, Crystal continued to check on B every few days, even when she was not assigned to his care. She explained setbacks, reassured us that we had done everything right, educated us on chest tube management, and ensured other nurses understood his complex care needs.
Crystal Lehmann exemplifies everything the DAISY Award represents: exceptional clinical skill, decisive advocacy, compassionate communication, teamwork, and unwavering dedication to patients and families. I truly believe her actions saved my son’s life. To us, she was not just a nurse; she was our family’s guardian angel.
During this critical moment, we met Crystal Lehmann, RN.
Crystal immediately recognized the severity of B’s condition. With calm professionalism, she clearly explained what was happening and why it was dangerous. She identified that the chest tube had become clogged and that immediate intervention was necessary to prevent further deterioration. Using her clinical expertise and leadership, she urgently mobilized the medical team while simultaneously stabilizing the chest tube system within her scope of practice.
When the physicians arrived, Crystal confidently and clearly presented B’s situation. She guided them step-by-step through clearing the obstruction from the chest tube system and explained how to remove the blockage using syringes, something she herself knew how to do but could not perform as a nurse. Under her guidance, large amounts of thick, infected fluid were removed, the system was flushed, and the chest tube began draining properly. This intervention relieved pressure on B’s heart and lungs and stabilized his condition.
After the physicians left, Crystal stayed. She carefully monitored the drainage, explained everything to us in terms we could understand, and helped calm us during one of the most frightening moments of our lives.
Crystal’s compassion extended far beyond clinical care. When she learned we were alone in California, paying hundreds of dollars for a hotel and transportation while our other children stayed elsewhere, she told us, “You are not alone. We are your support system.” Within minutes, she coordinated with social work and the Ronald McDonald House. Within an hour, we had a room, eliminating a major financial burden and allowing us to focus entirely on our son.
B was later diagnosed with severe necrotizing pneumonia and remained hospitalized for over a month, requiring additional chest tubes and advanced surgical intervention. Throughout this time, Crystal continued to check on B every few days, even when she was not assigned to his care. She explained setbacks, reassured us that we had done everything right, educated us on chest tube management, and ensured other nurses understood his complex care needs.
Crystal Lehmann exemplifies everything the DAISY Award represents: exceptional clinical skill, decisive advocacy, compassionate communication, teamwork, and unwavering dedication to patients and families. I truly believe her actions saved my son’s life. To us, she was not just a nurse; she was our family’s guardian angel.