Danielle Williams
November 2022
Danielle C
Williams
,
BSN, RN-BC
Duke University Hospital
Duke University Health System
Durham
,
NC
United States

 

 

 

Danielle provided strength, hope, and encouragement that we could do it.
Danielle was an exceptional nurse from day 1. Tall and poised in stature and extremely professional. Once Danielle realized we were nice and caring she presented her jovial personality and gave plenty of smiles. What resonates about Danielle is my mom had major facial and neck surgery and not once did Danielle make any negative gestures or comments about this sensitive matter.

Due to the circumstances, the family was faced with multiple decisions in a short time span. Danielle provided great support each step of the way. One example is my mother had a trach and g-tube with multiple incisions. When Danielle was informed that my sister and I would manage Mom’s care at home and outside of Duke she began providing training. Danielle provided strength, hope, and encouragement that we could do it. Danielle never compromised any rules or procedures, but she did permit me and my sister to shadow her with the gtube feedings. While in Duke Danielle used the automated feeder for the gtube and when my sister and I would take Mom home she would be fed with syringes. Danielle explained the difference. Danielle assisted my mom daily and began to coach her on how to improve. She informed us of appointments with PT and OT and would contact the assigned Duke staff person regarding any delays or schedule conflicts.

Danielle did a heart-touching act of compassion when after weeks of my mom being in the hospital with blood in her hair; Danielle washed my mom’s hair from the bed. Wow. Prior to washing her hair, she obtained a consultation from a peer regarding the type of shampoo and process and the peer assisted her.

The days approaching Mom’s release, Danielle coached me and my sister and shared we had a long journey ahead, but she was confident we could manage the tasks. To put this heavy lift into perspective my mom had a 13-hour surgery at age 79. Danielle was steadfast, confident, and ready to go daily. From her shift to the transition of the case to her peer and seeing me and my sister daily she was an amazing rockstar. Here we are months later, and I have taken the time to share how extraordinary this nurse was!!! We are forever grateful for Danielle’s service.