Lauren Stone, RN

There are moments in healthcare that families never forget, and the care my father received during his hospitalization for atrial fibrillation with RVR is one of those moments for me.

Watching a parent become critically ill is incredibly frightening. Even as a nurse myself, it is completely different when it is your own father lying in the bed. In those moments of fear, uncertainty, exhaustion, and helplessness, Lauren, our nurse, became a source of calm, comfort, and strength with a little humor to ease the anxiety.

This Nurse cared for my father with extraordinary compassion and dignity. She never made him feel rushed, no matter how busy the unit was- which, of course, the ER was packed. She noticed the little things—when he was anxious, uncomfortable, or simply needed reassurance—and responded with kindness every single time. She spoke to him with patience and respect, and she treated him not just as a patient, but as someone deeply loved by his family.

What touched me most was the way she cared for us emotionally while also providing outstanding clinical care. She explained things clearly, anticipated needs before we even had to ask, and brought a sense of peace into an otherwise overwhelming situation. Her presence alone made us feel safer.

As a nurse leader, I know how hard nurses work and how often they give pieces of themselves to others without recognition. But this RN reminded me that nursing is more than a profession—it is a calling. In a stressful moment for our family, she gave us compassion, grace, reassurance, and hope.

I will never forget the way she cared for my dad, and I hope she understands the profound impact she had on all of us. Lauren embodies what the DAISY Award represents and is deeply deserving of this recognition.