Helen Nieland
October 2024
Helen
Nieland
,
ASN, RN
Medical-Surgical
UF Health Shands
Gainesville
,
FL
United States
Despite the gravity of the situation, AA's spirit remained unbroken. His unwavering gratitude and gentle demeanor in the face of adversity inspired Helen to do something special for him. She knew that in his final moments, he deserved to experience moments of happiness and peace.
Mr. AA, was a recipient of a lung transplant. He was a favorite on the unit due to his awesome personality and his beautiful and charming wife that never left his bedside.
Earlier in the day, the MD met with AA and his family, at the end of the conversation he realized he was facing his final days. the weight of his prognosis hung heavy in the air. As his nurse, Helen felt a deep sense of urgency to bring some semblance of joy and comfort to his last moments. AA was not just a patient to her - he had become a dear friend, a brother, a soul whose resilience and kindness had touched her and the entire staff on unit 67.
Despite the gravity of the situation, AA's spirit remained unbroken. His unwavering gratitude and gentle demeanor in the face of adversity inspired Helen to do something special for him. She knew that in his final moments, he deserved to experience moments of happiness and peace.
With this in mind, she reached out to his wife and learned that AA had a love for carrot cake. She also decided to arrange for a T-shirt to be made for him.
On her day off, she enlisted the help of her family to create the T shirt and she baked the carrot cake. Although she was tired from working the night shift, she felt a need of urgency to visit AA and his family, yes it was her day off but felt a deep sense of compassion to bring some comfort and happiness to her patient. So, she returned to unit 67 to visit AA and deliver her tokens of comfort.
The joy and gratitude that shone on AA’s face as he received his tokens were priceless to Helen. In that moment, seeing the impact of her small act of kindness on AA and his family, Helen knew that being a nurse was not just a job to her - it was a calling, a passion that allowed her to bring happiness and comfort to her patients in their time of need.
AA and his family were deeply touched by the kindness of Helen, his dedicated nurse, who made a special visit to him and his family on her day off.
According to he and wife, their hearts were full of gratitude that Helen took the time to bring his favorite cake and a t-shirt emblazoned with "Unit 67" and his beloved team's logo (NY METS).
According to Helen, this experience with AA reaffirmed her love for her job and her dedication to her patients, and the commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of those she cared for. In that moment, surrounded by gratitude and love, she knew that being a nurse was not just a profession - it was a privilege, a calling that she would always totally embrace.
Helen's ability to form genuine connections with her patients, to empathize with their struggles and joys, and to provide comfort and support during challenging times sets her apart as a truly exceptional nurse. Her selfless actions and genuine care for the well-being of her patients embody the spirit of the DAISY Award, honoring nurses who go above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of those they care for.
Earlier in the day, the MD met with AA and his family, at the end of the conversation he realized he was facing his final days. the weight of his prognosis hung heavy in the air. As his nurse, Helen felt a deep sense of urgency to bring some semblance of joy and comfort to his last moments. AA was not just a patient to her - he had become a dear friend, a brother, a soul whose resilience and kindness had touched her and the entire staff on unit 67.
Despite the gravity of the situation, AA's spirit remained unbroken. His unwavering gratitude and gentle demeanor in the face of adversity inspired Helen to do something special for him. She knew that in his final moments, he deserved to experience moments of happiness and peace.
With this in mind, she reached out to his wife and learned that AA had a love for carrot cake. She also decided to arrange for a T-shirt to be made for him.
On her day off, she enlisted the help of her family to create the T shirt and she baked the carrot cake. Although she was tired from working the night shift, she felt a need of urgency to visit AA and his family, yes it was her day off but felt a deep sense of compassion to bring some comfort and happiness to her patient. So, she returned to unit 67 to visit AA and deliver her tokens of comfort.
The joy and gratitude that shone on AA’s face as he received his tokens were priceless to Helen. In that moment, seeing the impact of her small act of kindness on AA and his family, Helen knew that being a nurse was not just a job to her - it was a calling, a passion that allowed her to bring happiness and comfort to her patients in their time of need.
AA and his family were deeply touched by the kindness of Helen, his dedicated nurse, who made a special visit to him and his family on her day off.
According to he and wife, their hearts were full of gratitude that Helen took the time to bring his favorite cake and a t-shirt emblazoned with "Unit 67" and his beloved team's logo (NY METS).
According to Helen, this experience with AA reaffirmed her love for her job and her dedication to her patients, and the commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of those she cared for. In that moment, surrounded by gratitude and love, she knew that being a nurse was not just a profession - it was a privilege, a calling that she would always totally embrace.
Helen's ability to form genuine connections with her patients, to empathize with their struggles and joys, and to provide comfort and support during challenging times sets her apart as a truly exceptional nurse. Her selfless actions and genuine care for the well-being of her patients embody the spirit of the DAISY Award, honoring nurses who go above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of those they care for.