Dawn was recognized by a patient for whom she cared while the patient spent five months in the hospital awaiting a heart transplant. With the patient's family living six hours away and able to visit only on weekends, Dawn stepped in to become part of the patient's support system, providing encouragement and support when the patient needed it most.
"As you can imagine, it was the hardest time in my life. I was away from my children and my husband. People sometimes take for granted how much contact with your loved ones means to you until you no longer have it. Dawn was consistent and reliable, and it was her presence, her genuine care, and compassion and her support that I appreciated the most."
When the patient received her new heart, Dawn continued to visit her and provide encouragement as she recovered in the hospital.
"As a nurse myself, I have learned so much from Dawn about the significance of giving someone a little of your time, even when you don't have it to give. Dawn is a blessing to all that get her as their nurse."