I wanted to reach out and provide some feedback on the care that our aunt received while at your facility.

On a Wednesday, my aunt fell ill, requiring abdominal surgery. She came out of surgery without complication and was admitted to a med/surg floor. During her recovery, she unexpectedly declined. The med/surg staff recognized her distress and called a rapid response. Through swift coordination and teamwork, they stabilized, intubated, and transferred her to the ICU. A bronchoscopy the following day revealed a mucus plug, pneumonia, and bacterial growth, which explained her deterioration and need for mechanical ventilation.

In the early days of her ICU stay, our family struggled to understand her condition and felt uncertain about the plan of care. However, we encountered the kind of nursing that embodies the heart of the DAISY Award.

Shannon and Josh, who cared for her, were extraordinary in every sense. They combined clinical excellence, communication, and compassion in a way that gave our family both information and peace. They were open and approachable, taking time to discuss my Aunt's situation in detail with me. This was especially meaningful since I am a nurse myself and could help translate updates to the rest of the family. They engaged in collaborative dialogue, clarified the results of ongoing tests, and helped set realistic expectations about her prognosis and timeline, which is something our family had struggled to grasp. Their ability to balance honesty with empathy built trust and eased our anxiety during an intensely emotional time.

Brittany cared for her as our family, together with Palliative Care, made the difficult decision to initiate comfort care. Brittany demonstrated extraordinary compassion and professionalism during what became my Aunt's final hours. She guided us gently through the process of compassionate extubation, ensuring her comfort, privacy, and dignity every step of the way. Her calm demeanor and kind words created an atmosphere of peace, allowing our aunt to pass naturally and serenely, surrounded by the people who loved her.

Although we did not have direct communication with the night clinical staff, our family takes comfort in knowing that they provided excellent and attentive care throughout her hospitalization. Their contributions, though unseen by us, were clearly reflected in the continuity, stability, and dignity that carried through every shift.

The care provided by Shannon, Josh, and Brittany, supported by their colleagues across all shifts, stands as a powerful example of what it means to be a nurse. Their teamwork, clinical skills, advocacy, and humanity not only brought comfort to a patient at the end of her life but also gave a grieving family the gift of understanding and peace. They exemplify the values of compassion, excellence, and integrity that the DAISY Award was created to honor.

Our family will forever be grateful for the way these three nurses cared for my Aunt and for us when it mattered.