Misha is an extraordinary nurse, everyday, with every patient. However, today I saw something that struck me as exceptional.
A patient she was caring for had recently been informed that there was a possibility that he had a very serious and difficult disease. He was very frightened and nervous to the point of tears. The patient did not ever want his family members to have to worry about him or have to take care of him. It was obvious that this patient was normally the pillar and the caregiver of the family and this potential new role, as someone needing the care, was too much for him. As I was walking down the hall and glanced in the room, I saw Misha there, kneeling at this bedside, hands grasped with the patient, head bowed in prayer. I saw that patient holding on to her hand as he prayed for strength to deal with this illness and help himself and his family through this difficult time. She wasn't speaking just simply holding his hand as he prepared himself for the battle ahead.
This to me is what The DAISY Award represents. During this one
moment in this patient’s life, Misha was all that stood between this patient and utter despair. She could have called for social work; she could have called a family member; she could have asked the chaplain to step in. All of those options would have been appropriate. However, Misha intuitively sensed what this patient needed and provided for him. A hand to hold and a head bent in shared prayer, and that was enough to get this patient through this moment, in this crisis. I am sure he will never forget the kindness and compassion and strength Misha showed him today. I know I never will.