When I first came into Downey, I had many health problems. I couldn't breathe, I hadn't slept, and I was in extreme pain. The only silver lining to my stay was my nurse, Michelle, and the way she cared for me. When shift changed and Michelle was assigned to me, I couldn't believe my luck. She walked into my room and said, "Hi. My name is Michelle and I am going to be taking care of you today." And boy did she!
Michelle was attentive to my every need. I was in pain and couldn't sleep on the gurney. I told Michelle everything and how I was feeling. She took the time to listen to my every word. Michelle always asked if I needed anything to make me comfortable. She took care of me. She brought me what I needed to be more comfortable: a drink, a blanket, a pillow when I didn't even ask her to. My biggest issue was a bed; I wanted a bed upstairs so badly. Michelle actually took the time to explain to me all the construction and the movement of floors in the hospital as the reason for the delay. After this explanation, I was more understanding and was able to calm down from having anxiety.
At one point when she had to take a lunch break, she came back with good news: she got me a bed. I was so happy and have a feeling that Michelle went way out of her way to get this for me during her lunch break. It was because of Michelle that I was able to stay for as long as I did. I told her that if I get admitted, I would stay if she came with me upstairs to be my nurse. But of course, she couldn't do that. When Michelle's shift ended, I decided to leave. Michelle is a DAISY Nurse because of the exceptional care she gave and how she got me through my rough stay. She was caring and showed empathy for my condition.