I had been working with a frequent admit repeatedly throughout the months of February and March 2023. She was confused, she was sad, and she was lost. She received an unexpected colostomy right at the same time her husband passed away. She was unteachable as she spent her time in a constant state of denial and depression. I witnessed Elyse several times throughout this patient's most recent admission, taking her nursing role to the next level. She displayed the utmost empathy to help this patient understand the new journey that she was beginning. She printed out materials regarding her colostomy and sat by her side to discuss. She discussed things like diet, routine care, and the unexpected. She was able to recognize the level of care she needed and found ways to decrease her anxiety and make the patient feel like she would be "ok."

Upon my last follow-up with the patient, she felt good. She was able to tell me the nurse's name. She told me she "has never had a nurse like her," she told me "no one has ever helped me like her," and most importantly, she told me she "felt better" and felt like she was "not alone." I feel confident when I state that Elyse's interaction with this patient throughout her admission demonstrates all the key elements that the DAISY Award prides itself on encompassing.