On a Sunday evening in November, my 26-year-old son fell on steps at home and was diagnosed with a fracture and badly injuring tendons and ligaments in his foot. In the early morning hours, I struggled to get him to the Emergency Room at Willard Health Mercy Hospital. He is over 6 feet tall and weighs close to 240 pounds. Upon our arrival, the ER nurse on duty, Kristen Pheils, took great care to put my son at ease. My son has been diagnosed with Autistic-like behavior, Asperger's Syndrome, anxiety and depression and both his social skills and speech are not up to par with the everyday person.
Kristen not only put him at ease but showed extraordinary patience with my son as she asked him questions. When the answers didn't quite make sense she carefully probed a little further until both my son understood the question and she then would understand his answer.
Kristen's calming voice and willingness to work with my son, keeping him at ease, explaining what was happening in a thorough and quiet manner helped immensely to keep my son in the loop at a level he could understand was extraordinary and something I have not seen many other healthcare professionals able to do.
Although my son is somewhat clumsy by his size and balance, Kristen and another nurse were extremely patient in teaching him how to properly use a set of crutches, not only once but twice when he could not understand and put them to use the first time. Again, Kristen showed immense patience and worked with him in a calm and steady voice.
Kristen is a shining example of someone who represents all the goodness, mercy and compassion at Mercy Health and truly deserves The DAISY Award for her extraordinary compassion towards my son.