Marianne Cortes, BSN RN

I was admitted to the hospital for an intussusception. I was not doing well when I arrived on Floor 4, and the fear was that surgery was coming. Then in walked Marianne to save the day. But realistically, she saved my life. My perspective shifted from “I can’t do this” to “I can, I will, and I have Marianne to help me.” I do not like to ask for help, so feeling this way shows the power of Marianne’s nursing skills. She can breach the membrane of a resistant patient and break down the barrier to get into their heart and soul. Marianne also had a way of specifically communicating with her staff. Marianne didn’t miss an opportunity to let the nurse resident practice his skills.

On my discharge, the nursing student walked me down by Marianne’s direction. He was quick to his feet, helpful along the way, and very communicative. He shared how helpful Marianne has been in giving him the guidance that he needs. “Oh, super helpful, I am so lucky! They help me all the time. He says that he learns how to do well because of Marianne. I am not sure whether she is teaching him or simply encouraging him, because she does both in the same way.

That is why I am nominating Marianne for this DAISY. A DAISY Award is about “clinical excellence,” and I think Marianne demonstrated that with her ability to use the whole team’s best assets while she could focus on using her best assets. This clinical excellence provides holistic care that opens beds quickly, maintains longstanding partnerships with community stakeholders, and ensures the profession continues beyond her own clinical career. A DAISY Award is about “outstanding, compassionate care,” and I think Marianne exemplifies this statement by her ability to keep me focused on my health and recovery. It is the best hospital in the area for this type of care, and that is something really special to say because we live in the Boston area.