Nurse Heather was amazing from the start of us entering the room for my son's surgery. My son was extremely anxious and curious, having 100 questions to ask prior to his surgery. Heather was not only patient with him but would not leave the room until she assured me that my 8-year-old son was at ease and had his questions answered. The case prior to ours had gone over, and she made sure to continue to come in and check in on us. My son was given medication prior to going to OR, and it definitely did its work. Heather came in, explaining her shift was over and that the next time we had a nurse come, it would be someone else.

My son decided he wanted to be a mathematician and show off his math skills, asking Heather if he could give him complicated math equations. Again, his medicine was kicking in at this point, and after the first equation, she handed him a piece of paper and a pen. (Mind you, he is right-handed and fractured his right finger, so he had to use his left hand to write). He kept taking his time on this equation. A LOT of time as he kept going in and out. I told him to do this later, as Ms. Heather had been here for a while. I'm sure the staff is looking for her, and it's time for her to go home, so I'm sure she has a lot to do before. Heather had responded in a way that touched me deeply. She said, if you don't mind I'd like to stay and see him finish this out. Not only was she amazed at his thought process but she noticed how much this was distracting him and easing his anxiety. She had stayed for quite some time despite him drifting off in versed land. She encouraged him to keep going and told him it was all right to lie down if he wanted. I again made a statement as I felt bad it was the end of a long shift for her, and she again said it was all right and she'd like to stay if I didn't mind. I not only didn't mind, but I can't thank her enough for going well above and beyond to make my son comfortable and confident prior to being rolled into the OR. She was extremely patient with our 1000s of questions, my son's random questions, concerns, and mostly his thoughts.

There was also another time she was leaving the room and noticed he was uneasy, so she came back in to tell him a knock-knock joke. I am not the best at trying to put my thoughts in writing, but I can't emphasize enough how patient, understanding, and, most importantly, compassionate Heather was. She not once made us feel like she was rushed to leave the room or to check in on us. She offered us so much. I wish there were more people like Heather in this world! I hope this nomination goes further than just that and that Heather can sport the DAISY pin as she well deserves it!! THANK YOU HEATHER, my son and I will never forget you! Thank you for making a scary day into an easy one!