Joelle Harari is recognized for providing extraordinary, compassionate care, honoring the human spirit with dignity and respect, and demonstrating clinical experience and teamwork. The following is an account of my interaction with Joelle which embodies the spirit and criteria for the DAISY Award.

It’s hard to know where exactly to begin as I sit down to write about my experience with Joelle Harari. It is emotional to even think about how much this one person, who happened to cross our path on the day I gave birth, has indelibly touched my life. They say that you never know what a day will bring, or whom you might meet. As we headed for the hospital, I knew there would be consummate professionals dedicated to bringing new life into this world. What I hadn't realized was how much I would need a hand to hold, a steady presence, and the feeling of family by my side during my trying labor experience. It is truly amazing how one experience, one person can leave their mark.

My labor experience was not going as anticipated. I’d been terrified of this very moment my whole life. The pain was real. The fear for my baby and myself were coming alive in a way I’d only had nightmares about. The pain management was not working. I was tearful, terrified, and horrified to learn that some- only some- of the consummate professionals I had expected to meet hadn’t shown the kindness or empathy I’d hoped for. Many came in and out of that room. Many were kind. Some did not believe my pain or take it seriously. I was actually told- “this is all in your head.” I had no time to take on such a comment. I had my own state of mind and the health of two lives to put first during this very intense, scary moment. This was my first pregnancy, first hospital stay, first epidural, first everything. I was unsure that I’d be able to handle any part of this journey… and then there was Joelle.

Please allow me to embarrassingly admit that my family and I, in our haste, worry and anticipation had accidentally called Joelle by the wrong name for most of her shift. Many people I know would have corrected us. I am a teacher and I have had my name mispronounced by concerned parents many times. Yet in a moment of high emotions and concern, I’ve always believed that my exact name pronunciation was not the top priority. Joelle clearly shared that same belief, and I thought it spoke to Joelle’s unmatched professionalism that she never once thought to correct us. It was only as she was holding me for an epidural insertion that I read her name tag and realized our mistake! 

There were many moments of distress, confusion, and fear throughout my stay at Katz Hospital. I can confidently state that the only saving grace, the light in all the clouds was Joelle. She held my hand through not one but two epidural insertions. She was a listening ear for me, my husband, and my mom. When we needed to see an anesthesiologist or an obstetrician, Joelle made it happen.

During our entire stay, her listening ear, supportive and sweet nature, kindness and empathy are what provided me the most comfort. Joelle listened to my voice. All too often, this is not the case amongst a sea of professionals who see you as one more patient to get through. Although Joelle had a full caseload and I am sure an incredibly busy, full, on your feet, exhausting work day, she only showed us smiles, patience, professionalism, and heart. She listened to our needs, answered our questions, and honored our wishes. I absolutely could not have imagined a more compassionate and gifted nurse and person to be at our side during this beautiful, terrifying, and life-changing event.

Since delivering my son, Joelle has become a household name. My mother, husband, and I all turned to each other in reflecting on his birth and often say the phrase, “Thank goodness for Joelle.” She has become a family name commonly praised in our household. It was one of those moments, one of those interactions when you know that you will remember this person for the rest of your life. As a woman who always wanted children and always feared childbirth, I truly cannot imagine this experience without the nurturing nursing of Joelle Harari. To say that I’m grateful would be an extreme understatement. I wholeheartedly nominate Joelle for the DAISY Award for nursing. As an educator, I believe Joelle is the person who should be teaching future nurses, mentoring them to do exactly what she does. To lead and care for others with your knowledge as well as your heart. It is people like Joelle who are making the world a better place, by touching lives and bringing new life into the world each day. I know that she has indelibly touched mine.