May 2025 Honoree
Nikki Paulson, RN
As a fellow RN who was facing brain surgery, it comes with some anxiety and honestly terrifying anticipation. As my surgery day approached, the thought of being woken up in the middle of surgery with a halo on was scary but something I knew I would just have to get through.
On the morning of my procedure, Nikki came in to preop and introduced herself to me as well as my friend, who is also a nurse. Her easy-going, calm, confident demeanor put us both at ease. She was very honest about what I would experience in the operating room and gave me total reassurance that she would be there when I opened my eyes.
I know OR nurses are usually not recognized for the work that they do, but Nikki was truly a gem in soothing my nerves that day. When I opened up my eyes, she was right there, holding my hand, explaining where I was and what was going on. I was startled to learn that the burr hole had not yet been drilled, and I had a bit of panic. She held my hand and talked calmly and confidently to me through it all. I’m pretty sure she still has bruises on her hand!
She followed up the next day to make sure I was doing well up in the ICU. Nikki is a great example of how OR nurses who circulate go above and beyond for their patients.
She did not have to come to preop. She did not have to be there to hold my hand. She did not have to be there with the calm, reassuring voice. But she was all of those things and, in my opinion, is very worthy of a DAISY Award!
From one nurse to another, thank you, Nikki, for all that you did! I request you as my nurse for my second procedure!
On the morning of my procedure, Nikki came in to preop and introduced herself to me as well as my friend, who is also a nurse. Her easy-going, calm, confident demeanor put us both at ease. She was very honest about what I would experience in the operating room and gave me total reassurance that she would be there when I opened my eyes.
I know OR nurses are usually not recognized for the work that they do, but Nikki was truly a gem in soothing my nerves that day. When I opened up my eyes, she was right there, holding my hand, explaining where I was and what was going on. I was startled to learn that the burr hole had not yet been drilled, and I had a bit of panic. She held my hand and talked calmly and confidently to me through it all. I’m pretty sure she still has bruises on her hand!
She followed up the next day to make sure I was doing well up in the ICU. Nikki is a great example of how OR nurses who circulate go above and beyond for their patients.
She did not have to come to preop. She did not have to be there to hold my hand. She did not have to be there with the calm, reassuring voice. But she was all of those things and, in my opinion, is very worthy of a DAISY Award!
From one nurse to another, thank you, Nikki, for all that you did! I request you as my nurse for my second procedure!
Thank you, Nikki, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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