My infant was sick with croup, and we had experienced difficulty with healthcare providers seeing the severity of the situation the night before. I was stressed and concerned about her health upon return to the ER, but Dawn Tyau immediately put me at ease. Dawn kept a close eye on my daughter and continually reaffirmed to me that she was seeing and hearing the same concerning signs and symptoms that I was. She watched my daughter incredibly closely - she had me leave the door open so that she could always keep an ear out for her. Any time my daughter went into distress, I could see her head pop up, and she was in our room in less than a minute. I didn't have to worry for one second about whether or not someone was watching, how long it would take them to get in the room, etc. Dawn was already there. As the day went on, my daughter continued to decline, and Dawn reassured me that she understood my daughter's severity - she was calling the doctors requesting new meds, requesting RT, and was on top of everything. Unbeknownst to me, she personally spoke with the physicians to convey her feelings about my daughter's condition. Later, when being admitted to the PICU, the doctors said that Dawn's advocacy played a role in their decision-making. I felt like Dawn was on my team. She made it her personal mission to make sure that we received the best care possible. She went above and beyond to make sure I felt heard. I've never known what it's like to have an advocate, but I have now. I was able to focus on my child and know that Dawn was going to handle the rest. She also cared for my daughter as a whole person, not just a medical patient - requesting that lights be kept off so that she could sleep, etc. As we were being taken to the ICU, I asked the folks what her last name was. They said that they, too, think that Dawn is incredible and that she "is always this way." I think that's incredible and needs to be recognized. She exuded compassion, patience, and understanding in everything that she did.
I wish that every nurse was like Dawn. If I ever have to go back, I hope that Dawn is the one that meets us in the room again. She is incredible and a true asset to Mercy and the Springfield, Missouri community. She made a very scary and stressful time so much better. It's expected that all nurses do their jobs. But to have one do it so well, so naturally, so fiercely, and so full of compassion - was incredible. She needs to be recognized for her dedication to not just healthcare but her advocacy and commitment to the entire patient experience.