6C has had a long-term, developmentally disabled autistic patient, S, who was dropped off by his mother who could no longer care for him. Because of the chaos in this young man's life, he was not able to cope with the sudden abandonment by his mother and his unfamiliar surroundings and faces on 6c. S initially became aggressive towards his nurses, requiring behavioral interventions and 1:1 sitters.
Daniel Campbell, understanding that S was struggling, took time out of his day to spend with him, even when he wasn't his nurse. When S first saw Daniel, he asked, "Are you my dad?" Daniel found out that S's dad died 6 years ago, and for 6 years S has been looking for him and wondering where he went. When Daniel heard this, it really touched him. Daniel went shopping that evening and bought S various DVD movies and popcorn and had a movie date with S the following day. He also told the doctors and the charge nurses to assign him to care for S every day that he worked. Daniel would walk with S, talk with him and spend quality time...just like a dad would do.
Mercy nurses never cease to amaze me with their love and compassion for our patients, but Daniel truly went above and beyond, in the name of love and of kindness for someone truly in need. He is an amazing nurse and an amazing human being; he's also a true good guy in a world where so few are to be found anymore.
Daniel embodies the spirit of The DAISY Award and the meaning and is most deserving.