I have been in the hospital for over a week. When I saw this award was available I knew I wanted to nominate at least one of the nurses but I had a hard time deciding who because everyone was so attentive and helpful! When I looked back to the 1st day when I was admitted I remembered how kind and assuring Dawn was when I felt like I was dying. Although I don't remember a lot of the first 24 hours, I do remember that when she admitted me, she made me feel safe and that they were going to do everything possible to make me comfortable. I was in extreme pain and running 100-102 fevers.
Dawn returned to work I believe the next two days but I didn't remember at first that she was the one who admitted me. When she returned, I was a mess because there were some discrepancies with my medications and I only had 6 hours of sleep in 3 days. I finally had a good night's sleep and found out that I needed to stay in the hospital longer for IV treatment and I wasn't too happy about not being able to go home. She was very understanding of what I had been through and listened patiently to my frustrations. She maintained being a professional and showed calmness about her that she quietly passed on to me. I don't know how to describe it but after talking to her I always felt better.
When an issue with a dietary change was made, she found me crying and within minutes she was able to calm me down and explain the new dietary restrictions. She was able to work with me to allow me foods that I could eat. She is outstanding, stays calm even under pressure and is a great listener. She also has a gentle firmness about her that she uses to motivate her patients so they do what is needed to get better. I found out that she has only been a nurse for a short while, however, I feel she is a natural and what a nurse should be.