I would like to nominate Nurse Dan Kruse for the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. Dan usually works on the surgery floor at PVH, but one morning, when I was admitted to ER with abdominal pain, Dan Kruse was on duty. Dan, along with several others on staff, attended to me quickly and with expertise. Dan Kruse took me to radiology for a CT scan and later, updated my health information before taking me upstairs.
Dan's friendly manner immediately put me at ease. He seemed to see me as a person - not just a patient. As we discussed my health history, Dan and I discovered we had a great deal in common. As a former teacher, I was interested in hearing about the virtual learning his children were experiencing due to the impact of COVID-19 on the school system. Dan and his wife were thrust into juggling teaching, in addition to their full-time jobs. Dan and I also discovered we enjoyed outdoor activities. Knowing I enjoyed walking, Dan offered to walk me around the hospital until my room upstairs was ready. Dan made the time go quickly and kept me from becoming discouraged and worried about my test results.
In these uncertain and often frightening times of COVID-19, health care workers have taken on additional risk. Dan was fully aware of the new protocols, but he kept his focus on helping me get well. Always professional, Dan saw beyond the numbers on my chart. He cared for my emotional and social needs in an easy and compassionate manner. Dan gave me hope for recovery, as he kept me informed of each test and vital sign. I've known many kind and knowledgeable health care providers in my life, but none as personally "present" as Dan Kruse. I highly recommend him for the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses.