January 2026
Deron
Giuliani
,
RN
Emergency Dept.
Ridgecrest Regional Hospital
Ridgecrest
,
CA
United States
I came in with severe neurological and physical pain from acute withdrawal after suddenly losing access to my prescription medications. I was on day two without my SNRI, muscle relaxer and mood stabiliser, an extremely painful and destabilizing combination. On top of that, my anxiety was high because my past experiences in the medical system have ranged from dismissive to aggressive, with only occasional moments of true compassionate care.
I walked in already bracing myself to be minimized or ignored. Before I could even get a sentence out, Deron looked at me with warmth, smiled gently, and said what my body was already screaming. “You’re not feeling too good.” It was such a simple statement, but it was validating in a way I desperately needed. It told me he saw me. It told me I wasn’t overreacting. And for someone whose own family tends to downplay both my mental health and the seriousness of withdrawal, that acknowledgement was meaningful beyond words.
As he took my vitals and asked what I was feeling, I began explaining through tears and shaking. Without hesitation, he affirmed how difficult my situation was. He even shared his own experience transitioning off Effexor, which is notorious for its harsh withdrawal. When he asked how many days I was into it and winced at my answer, something in me softened. My guard fell away. He knew exactly what I was going through. He didn’t minimize it. He didn’t dismiss it. He didn’t treat my pain as invisible or less important because it wasn’t a broken bone or a rash.
There is a unique shame people feel for coming to the hospital for something that isn’t outwardly visible. You wonder if you are wasting resources, if others are more deserving, if your pain counts. I walked in carrying all of that, but his compassion cut straight through the shame. He made me feel worthy of care. He made it clear that my pain was real, that my presence here was justified and that I deserved help.
Deron provided exceptional medical care, but what changed my entire experience was the humanity he brought with it. He saw me, he believed me, and he treated me with a level of empathy that I will never forget. His kindness didn’t just ease my physical symptoms; it eased the emotional burden I had been carrying for days. Deron embodies what nursing should be: compassionate, validating, knowledgeable, and deeply human. He reminded me that I am worth caring for, and that alone made all the difference.
***
This is Deron's 2nd DAISY Award!
I walked in already bracing myself to be minimized or ignored. Before I could even get a sentence out, Deron looked at me with warmth, smiled gently, and said what my body was already screaming. “You’re not feeling too good.” It was such a simple statement, but it was validating in a way I desperately needed. It told me he saw me. It told me I wasn’t overreacting. And for someone whose own family tends to downplay both my mental health and the seriousness of withdrawal, that acknowledgement was meaningful beyond words.
As he took my vitals and asked what I was feeling, I began explaining through tears and shaking. Without hesitation, he affirmed how difficult my situation was. He even shared his own experience transitioning off Effexor, which is notorious for its harsh withdrawal. When he asked how many days I was into it and winced at my answer, something in me softened. My guard fell away. He knew exactly what I was going through. He didn’t minimize it. He didn’t dismiss it. He didn’t treat my pain as invisible or less important because it wasn’t a broken bone or a rash.
There is a unique shame people feel for coming to the hospital for something that isn’t outwardly visible. You wonder if you are wasting resources, if others are more deserving, if your pain counts. I walked in carrying all of that, but his compassion cut straight through the shame. He made me feel worthy of care. He made it clear that my pain was real, that my presence here was justified and that I deserved help.
Deron provided exceptional medical care, but what changed my entire experience was the humanity he brought with it. He saw me, he believed me, and he treated me with a level of empathy that I will never forget. His kindness didn’t just ease my physical symptoms; it eased the emotional burden I had been carrying for days. Deron embodies what nursing should be: compassionate, validating, knowledgeable, and deeply human. He reminded me that I am worth caring for, and that alone made all the difference.
***
This is Deron's 2nd DAISY Award!