Isabelle Way
November 2023
Isabelle
Way
,
RN
Labor and Delivery
Ascension Saint Thomas Midtown Hospital
Nashville
,
TN
United States

 

 

 

Isabelle offered herself, listened intently, and shared in the patient's sorrow, even shedding tears alongside her.
I am writing to nominate Isabelle Way for the DAISY Award in recognition of her extraordinary compassion and dedication to patient care. Isabelle's actions during a particularly challenging and emotionally taxing situation truly exemplify the qualities and mission set forth by the DAISY Foundation.

As a seasoned bedside nurse with over 12 years of experience, I have encountered a variety of cases, but one recent experience during my OB Anesthesia rotation stood out thanks to Isabelle's remarkable care. We were faced with an unexpected and heart-wrenching scenario, a 35-week intrauterine fetal demise that required a C-section delivery. This is undoubtedly one of the most emotionally challenging obstetric cases any healthcare provider can encounter, demanding a unique blend of courage, compassion, honesty, vulnerability, and respect. Isabelle demonstrated all of these qualities and more on the evening we cared for the grieving parents of the deceased child.

Before heading to the operating room, she provided the patient with the space and support she needed to process her loss. Isabelle offered herself, listened intently, and shared in the patient's sorrow, even shedding tears alongside her. Remarkably, she managed to maintain her professionalism and prepare for the OR simultaneously. Inside the operating room, the atmosphere was somber and when the deceased child was delivered, there was not a dry eye among us. Isabelle's unwavering presence and support for the patient and her husband were a source of strength during this heartbreaking moment. Her ability to connect with the patient on such a profound level while maintaining her clinical responsibilities was truly remarkable.

In the healthcare profession, it's not uncommon for us to build an emotional armor to protect ourselves from the daily traumas we encounter. Isabelle, however, demonstrates what I now understand as appropriate coping mechanisms. Her ability to balance vulnerability with professionalism sets her care apart and I can confidently say that her level of care surpasses anything I have witnessed in my 12 years at the bedside. Even after her shift ended, Isabelle's commitment to her patients remained unwavering. On her day off, she returned to the hospital to bring the grieving family flowers and offer her continued support and love. This level of dedication to her patients and her own self-care and closure is nothing short of exemplary.

In summary, Isabelle Way embodies the very qualities and values that the DAISY Award was created to celebrate. Her compassion, honesty, vulnerability, and respect in the face of such a devastating situation are a testament to her character as a nurse and as a human being. It is with great enthusiasm and gratitude that I nominate Isabelle Way for the DAISY Award, as she has truly touched the lives of her patients and colleagues in a profound way, reinforcing the importance of compassion in healthcare.