There are several nurses in the Oncology unit that deserved the Award. That unit really has a strong team of day staff so I nominate Keli Nelson for the DAISY Award.

I got an opportunity to work with her in preceptorship during my orientation a few months ago. She is a very dedicated nurse who always shows care and compassion. The unit gets very busy in the day shift, but she is always able to maintain a calm & friendly presence. Her attitute has a big influence to people who work around her.

I got a chance to float back to the unit a few times last week. Observing her precepted students with a professional manner, walked them through every skill, and still had time to answer any questions other nurses had, I think the manager is very lucky to have her a staff. She answered call lights even those who weren't her patients'. Not unusual, I saw her stopped in the hallway, during her busy day, hugging/comforting family members who have their loved one in the late stage of cancer.

Yesterday, I had a new admit. She is a hospice patient, admitted directly from home at the last hour to the shift because her pain is uncontrolable. As you know, time at the end of the shift is very stressful for nurses since we are finishing up, getting ready for reports. However, Keli spent time at the bedside to keep my patient calm and comfort. One should see the patient's eyes when she recognized Keli (she was Keli's patient before) to understand how much trust a nurse can be in a dying patient.

I keep thinking about Keli on my way driving home, hoping one day I can have the same trust & love from my own patient!