I’m honored to nominate 1LT Nicholas Ketner for the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. I came to Unit 6B1 from surgery. I was pretty miserable with Level 8 pain when LT Ketner came to check on me. Reviewing my chart, he said, "Your Surgeon has ordered Oxycodone, but I’m sorry the pharmacist will not release it to you because you are allergic to it." My husband explained that I had requested that it be corrected because I am not allergic to Oxy.

In the past, as long as I took Oxy with a cracker and Sprite/ Ginger Ale, then that controlled any nausea. Lt. Ketner said, "I can fix this, but unfortunately, I have to ask you some questions to fill out the forms even though you probably don’t feel up to it." He genuinely wanted to make the process as painless as possible and tried to expedite getting me pain relief. While I was waiting for Oxy, Lt Ketner brought me hot packs to place on my TMJ, which was very aggravated by the intubation. He also gave me an aromatherapy pack to help with nausea and to relax me. He was so kind to provide natural interventions that I didn’t even ask for, but were helpful. When the Oxy finally became available, LT Ketner brought it to me with crackers and Ginger Ale. He didn’t need to be reminded that that is what helps me take the Oxy and not feel sick. I know he had many other patients, but he sure made me feel like it was his priority to make me feel better!