I would like to nominate Deana Pickett RN for the DAISY Award. I can’t think of any nurse more deserving of this award than Deana. She exemplifies a caring nurse. She has excellent clinical skills, and yet she still takes time to focus on the patient’s emotional needs.

Just recently I spent a Saturday morning with Deana, where we took care of an elderly patient who was weak and confused. When we finished the procedure Deana took the time to shave this gentleman and wash and comb his hair before we sent him back to his room. This is not the first time I have witnessed Deana go that extra step to restore to the patient some dignity and comfort.

Deana felt this was important because in her 30 plus years of nursing she felt that the patient’s appearance affected how staff and family treated the patient. Deana always refocuses the Endoscopy team on the patient as a person. She has been a wonderful clinical role model but always makes sure to connect to the patient as a person, to provide reassurance and comfort. She is a nurse who is always thinking of what the patient needs next not waiting until the patient or family asks for something. Deana is very deserving of this award.