Daniell Coltraine
April 2026
Daniell
Coltraine
,
BSN, RN
Emergency Department
ECU Health Beaufort Hospital, a campus of ECU Health Medical Center
Washington, NC
,
NC
United States
Before we left, Daniell surprised us with a Valentine's Day box of chocolate-covered strawberry Hershey's Kisses that she had brought to work that day.
We brought our 3-year-old daughter to the ER after she fell while playing and hurt her arm. After being evaluated, we were getting ready to go home and were told it was likely just a bruised arm. As we were about to leave, a nurse who was not even assigned to my daughter happened to walk by and noticed how she was holding her arm. Daniell Coltraine stopped immediately, asked my daughter a few questions, and took a closer look. Something did not sit right with her, and she spoke up, asking the doctor to take one more look before we left. That moment changed everything.
The doctor returned, re-examined my daughter, and realized it was nursemaid's elbow. She fixed it right there. We were asked to stay for a bit to make sure my daughter started moving her arm again, and during that time, this incredible nurse stayed with us. Daniell sat with my daughter, talked with her, comforted her, and turned what could have been a scary experience into something calm and even joyful. She showed my daughter pictures of her three Goldendoodles and videos of one of her dogs playing volleyball in a pool, which my daughter absolutely loved. She even shared that she had just gotten a dog with the same name as my daughter, which instantly made them connect. She gently encouraged my daughter to move her arm by having her press the play button on her phone to watch another video.
Before we left, Daniell surprised us with a Valentine's Day box of chocolate-covered strawberry Hershey's Kisses that she had brought to work that day. It was such a small gesture, but it meant so much. Because of her, my daughter was completely back to normal when we walked out of the hospital. As we headed to the car, my daughter said, "This is why you go see the doctor when you are hurt. I feel so much better." That sentence alone says everything. This nurse did not just fix an injury; she changed how my child sees doctors and nurses. What could have been a traumatic night became a positive, reassuring experience for both of us.
To the tall nurse with short blonde hair, wearing black scrubs with pink accents and black-and-pink Brooks shoes, thank you. You saw my child. You listened to your instincts. You took the time to care in a way that went far beyond your assignment. This very scared mom left the hospital smiling because of you. I also want to acknowledge my daughter's doctor, who was wonderful as well. Based on her exam, our answers, and the X-rays, it truly did look like a simple bruise. She was caring for many patients and treated my daughter with kindness and professionalism throughout our visit. This experience highlighted the power of teamwork and the importance of nurses who advocate for their patients. This nurse is everything the DAISY Award represents. We will never forget her.
The doctor returned, re-examined my daughter, and realized it was nursemaid's elbow. She fixed it right there. We were asked to stay for a bit to make sure my daughter started moving her arm again, and during that time, this incredible nurse stayed with us. Daniell sat with my daughter, talked with her, comforted her, and turned what could have been a scary experience into something calm and even joyful. She showed my daughter pictures of her three Goldendoodles and videos of one of her dogs playing volleyball in a pool, which my daughter absolutely loved. She even shared that she had just gotten a dog with the same name as my daughter, which instantly made them connect. She gently encouraged my daughter to move her arm by having her press the play button on her phone to watch another video.
Before we left, Daniell surprised us with a Valentine's Day box of chocolate-covered strawberry Hershey's Kisses that she had brought to work that day. It was such a small gesture, but it meant so much. Because of her, my daughter was completely back to normal when we walked out of the hospital. As we headed to the car, my daughter said, "This is why you go see the doctor when you are hurt. I feel so much better." That sentence alone says everything. This nurse did not just fix an injury; she changed how my child sees doctors and nurses. What could have been a traumatic night became a positive, reassuring experience for both of us.
To the tall nurse with short blonde hair, wearing black scrubs with pink accents and black-and-pink Brooks shoes, thank you. You saw my child. You listened to your instincts. You took the time to care in a way that went far beyond your assignment. This very scared mom left the hospital smiling because of you. I also want to acknowledge my daughter's doctor, who was wonderful as well. Based on her exam, our answers, and the X-rays, it truly did look like a simple bruise. She was caring for many patients and treated my daughter with kindness and professionalism throughout our visit. This experience highlighted the power of teamwork and the importance of nurses who advocate for their patients. This nurse is everything the DAISY Award represents. We will never forget her.