My 43-year-old Father was a patient in the ICU for 5 days, 4 nights. He suffered from a massive stroke. He was on a ventilator, and when I found out the news that he was not going to make it, I was obviously so heartbroken. When he had his stroke (part of his brainstem), he would never be able to function again nor be able to breathe on his own, etc. I knew that day that I did not want him to be on the ventilator, as those were not his wishes. Well, it turned out that he was an organ donor. I was going to take him off of the ventilator the day I found out, although with the news of him being an organ donor, my family and I had to wait for a man from Lifelink to come to Tanner and present his case to us on organ donation and how everything works. I agreed to donating his organs, but little did I realize how tormenting it would be for me to see him on the ventilator for five days and four nights.

Throughout this time, there was a plethora of people in and out of the hospital including our friends and family, and ICU staff! Katherine was with us for three nights (the three nights that I was there), and my family and I grew very fond of her. She’s the kind of nurse that just makes it feel more homey. She’s the kind of nurse who explains everything before she even touches her patient, allowing the family to feel in the loop and as well as out of respect for her patient. She described every medication before it was ever hung, she described what she was doing, when she was doing it, and kept the family in the loop when she found out information. She is also the kind of nurse who will let a 23-year-old daughter cry on her shoulder in the middle of the night, watch videos with me about my dad, and allow me to talk to her as if she were my therapist. On the second and third night, my family and I were looking forward to seeing her. She made sure that we were comfortable and getting enough rest, and she made sure we had everything we needed and more. To my family and I, she was the absolute best. She worked many nights in a row and gave her all. She was there for my father’s honor walk as well, which was on day shift-awhile after she got off work. She is everything and more to us. She truly deserves the DAISY award and all of the recognition that comes with it.

Katie was my Father’s Day shift nurse throughout most of his stay. My family and I all liked Katie and we appreciate everything that she did for my daddy! She spent many hours with us, and I am so grateful for her and the care she provided.

Miss Paula was the charge nurse for many days of my dad’s stay in the ICU. I was already familiar with Paula, so I am so thankful to have had her in the loop with us. As always, her personality and her thoughtfulness were unmatched. She truly made me feel more at peace with the situation and allowed me to ask as many questions as I needed to. She walked with me a few days prior to my father’s honor walk and showed me the route. She hugged me as I cried and was always there for me if I needed her throughout the entire stay. I felt more comfortable just because she was there and a part of my father’s care team. I am so thankful for her!