I was recently a patient on the unit and I cannot let her attention to detail and kindness go unnoticed by her peers and supervisors. I had recently given birth to my second child 10 weeks prior and I had found a large lump on my thyroid. I was on the unit post-surgical for a partial thyroidectomy. I was also still on a strict pumping schedule to provide milk for my infant. Every 3 hours except for the evening. As you may know, breastmilk must be refrigerated or frozen as soon as possible for storage, so our plan was to have my husband commute back and forth from the hospital home with my breastmilk. I had plenty of milk at home for the baby, but I did not want to have to throw any out.

I have never had surgery and I had minimal knowledge of what to expect in this situation, especially what to expect after surgery. I had Hannah as my day shift nurse for both days I was in the hospital and she was always so kind and caring. I was vomiting when I woke up and she kept reassuring me it was okay and that she will get me medicine to help the vomiting and to help with my pain. I felt like she was more concerned for my well-being than I was! I kept telling her I was fine, but looking back, I was still clouded from the anesthesia and I appreciated her concern. She truly did make me feel comfortable at one of the most vulnerable moments I have had in my life, besides childbirth.

The largest reason I am nominating her for this award is that she went above and beyond for me in a big way. I had taken a nap and I was woken up to her rolling in a mini-fridge to my room! It was to store my breastmilk, so I would not have to worry about it spoiling or my husband having to make several trips. I want to say that I did not ask her for this. I know my husband had mentioned I was breastfeeding, but that was it. I asked her how in the world she was able to get this for me. She stated she called around and the NICU had them for breastfeeding moms. My excitement was beyond words and it was one less thing for me to worry about. Her actions encompass the core of The DAISY Award. She saw that I was in need of something due to my breastfeeding status and she took the time to find a solution for me without prompting. It shows true compassion when someone does something for another individual when they absolutely do not have to. She did not have to take the time to hunt down the mini fridge, but she did! At the time, I remember feeling so relieved that she got the fridge, but looking back I got a little choked up because I was so stressed, anxious, and downright irritated at the pain I was in. Her small gesture really made a difference to me and I want her to be honored for her critical thinking and advanced nursing skills. Especially for her caring attitude.

The next morning she discharged me from the hospital and I realized what was so unique about her. She spoke to me like a new friend and like a human being. I was not just her patient or someone she needed to chart on. I was a person, a mom, and an equal. She made a difference in my and my family’s life during a highly stressful time. For this, I am eternally grateful.