My best friend J was a patient at RUSH hospital for 86 days. At the time of his admission for surgery to remove a malignant tumor in his tongue, his hospital stay was anticipated to be 7-14 days. Perhaps a few days in the Bowman Center would follow to address his speech therapy, swallow therapy, and physical therapy for his prosthetic right leg. Four weeks after surgery, he would begin radiation therapy.

At that time, there was every reason to be optimistic. However, a total of 4 surgeries and alternating stays in the ICU changed everything. My personal experience with RUSH during these days had high points and several disappointments. There were many sincere, professional, knowledgeable, and kind-hearted staff who addressed his multiple needs. But one was the Crown Jewel of the 86-day experience. I am nominating James Willian M., a daytime registered nurse in 10 West ICU for the DAISY Award.

He cared for J as if his own brother; he cared for me and J’s family (all out-of-state) as if his own family. He explained in a calm and steady voice what was being done as it was being done; he anticipated our needs and consistently stopped in the room to check on him and us. James personified the criteria for this DAISY Award: critical thinking, technical expertise, evidence-based practice, and leadership. But what made him exceptional is how he employed these skills in relation to J and his family. James W. made a difference! I personally spent a lot of time on each of the units J was in (you can see that by his room assignment history); I was usually there 6 hours each day. I never saw James sitting at the nurses’ station or being idle; the man was always in motion. The Energizer Bunny was second to James!

James W. had been for J and me and his family the face of RUSH excellence. He is an outstanding role model for your nursing community! The DAISY Award was made for him.

Note: This is James's 2nd DAISY Award!