Joan Tongol, BSN, RN, CPAN

I would like to nominate Joan for a DAISY Award because she transformed one of the most vulnerable moments of my life into an experience filled with safety, comfort, care, compassion, love, and genuine human warmth. This was my very first surgery experience, and I was a terrified, anxious mess from the moment I arrived at the hospital. Coming out of my first experience with general anesthesia, I was met with a caring, comforting, and exceptional nurse named Joan. She was immediately by my side the moment I opened my eyes, and her presence felt like a lifeline. I was in a lot of pain post-surgery and very anxious. She held my hand, rubbed my arm, and reassured me that I was okay and that she had me.

Joan cared for me with a motherly gentleness that immediately put me at ease. She didn’t just complete her tasks; she anticipated my needs before I could voice them. She checked on me constantly, reassuring me with her calming voice, steady confidence, and compassionate attention.

What makes Joan extraordinary is how deeply she cares. She treated me not like a patient on her list, but as a person who mattered. She stayed with me all the way until discharge, well beyond what I expected. She talked me through every step, advocated for my comfort, and made sure I had everything I needed, both physically and emotionally, before I left. Her kindness never wavered, and her patience seemed endless.

Joan went above and beyond the call of duty in every possible way. She turned a clinical moment into a more loving, personal one, and because of her, my first surgery experience became far less frightening and far more bearable. I will never forget the comfort she provided when I needed it most. She embodies everything it means to be a fantastic nurse! I am deeply and profoundly grateful for her, and I truly cannot imagine a more deserving nurse for a DAISY Award. Joan changed my experience and my life in ways I will carry with me always!