I had open heart surgery recently. I was transferred from surgical ICU on Friday, to a stepdown room on 2 North. I woke up that night at 9 pm with delirium that the attending nurses and CNAs failed to recognize. As a result of the delirium, I received limited care during a 6-hour period of severe gastric upset. Call bells were often not answered, my doctor was never called and the staff that did answer the call bells ignored sterile precautions. The next morning, I met my day Nurse, Lee.

I was exhausted and shaken from the night before and very emotional, given my condition. Nurse Lee patiently listened and reassured me that I would be taken care of that day. He explained each of my medications before giving them to me. He treated me with respect, always greeting me, briefly chatting, and saying goodbye, and he said that it was his pleasure to be my nurse as he left. He made sure that I got showered and walked around the unit by my CNA. When the CNA was busy elsewhere, Lee walked with me. As shift change approached, I was very upset, feeling that I may get the same nurses from the night before. I shared my fears with Lee, and he returned to my room before leaving and assured me that a different nurse would care for me. Nurse Lee took care of me for two days in a row with the same care and concern you would want for yourself or your loved one. I felt valued and heard by Nurse Lee. If not for him, I likely would have asked to be transferred to a different location or left the hospital against medical advice. During my stay, I believe I experienced both ends of the nursing spectrum. Nurse Lee demonstrates the best in nursing in his care of patients. I will never forget him. Lee is an asset to the nursing profession and a role model for all nurses to follow.

Note: This is Lee's 3rd DAISY Award!