Daniel impressed me because he used more than protocol to underpin his nursing decisions, although, for sure, protocol was consulted routinely.
There was not a gap in care I sometimes see in medical situations. Daniel did not ever go on auto-pilot during his shifts. He maintained his sense of responsibility and was a strong team player, working alongside each professional on my care team.
Daniel displayed his total understanding of the medical reasoning behind protocol and consulted that wide base understanding to think through and check with other decision-makers if something didn't make sense at any point in my treatment. He used common sense to be my advocate.
For example, he noticed my decompression tube was pulled out farther after surgery. Though it was suctioning, he double-checked with the surgery team to be sure the tube was placed as they strategically wanted. Because of this, an X-ray was taken and the tube inserted farther down into the stomach. This simple clarifying question helped me avoid nausea, which could have delayed my recovery and comfort level.
Patients came first. He nurtured not only the basics of my physical need but thought clearly, with clarity, what the result of each action charted for me and taken by him would have down the road on my journey into recovery.
I know how busy the floor was, however, Daniel created a calm, peaceful environment in which I could recuperate. He was respectful, never making me feel as though I was taking too much time and did little things that took forethought to avoid unnecessary frustration for me, both physically and emotionally.
Here are a couple of examples: He asked about my family to distract me from pain and/or frustration. He slowly injected a particularly stingy pain med so its entry into my veins was less painful.
These examples are small, but cost him in time he could have used to work on charting. I'm sure, ultimately, these and other compassionate, effective acts of care keep him at the hospital much longer than if his only goal was to do the "job" as efficiently as possible in order to get home.
I believe Daniel expects himself daily to serve as an active, caring, empowered professional, committed to providing the very best outcome for each person he helps.
If all nurses, like Daniel, cross-checked sources of information and were humble enough to ask if they notice a possible conflict in facts at hand, quality care would be routine. If we hold the "Daniels" up who consciously choose to build trusting, caring relationships and create calm, healing environments for their patients, extraordinary service would be a reality for all patients.
I celebrate Daniel.