I am currently a patient in the rehabilitation unit at Orange Regional Medical Center. I feel compelled to acknowledge the remarkable care I have received from an extraordinary nurse employed here. This kind angel on earth's name is Nora Higgins. Nora is the kindest, most compassionate person I have ever met. In my opinion, Nora has far exceeded this hospital's expectations of what is expected from a registered nurse. If I could nominate her for the nurse of the year I would. I plan on having a letter published in the local newspaper describing my experience and the exceptional care I have received from everyone at Orange Regional Medical Center. However, this letter is to highlight one person in particular who is outstanding
I first met Nora a year ago here on the rehabilitation unit at ORMC. At the time I was admitted to the hospital for a small scratch on my ankle that had spread into a life-threatening infection. I was extremely sick and was basically told that I could lose my leg or even die. After months of being in the hospital getting multiple rounds of antibiotics and daily dressing changes for the wound, I had lost all hope. It wasn't just the physical pain that was horrible, the emotional and mental side effects were devastating. I had been in complete despair over my situation. Eventually, I had to make the difficult decision to save my life and got through with the amputation of my lower leg.
Throughout all of this, Nora has been there for me. She has been supportive and encouraged me not to give up hope. Nora has gone out of her way to help me get back my quality of life and independence. She has made countless calls on my behalf. Nora has come in on her days off to visit and check to see that I'm okay. Even after being discharged from ORMC and transferred to another facility, she kept in contact with me. Nora surprised me on my birthday with a special Irish breakfast which included bangers-n-mash and spent the day with me. I do not have many family members here in the United States, so I had no support system before now. Nora is the most honest and trustworthy person I've ever met. What she has done for me and given me back is priceless. In so many words, Nora brought me back from the dead. I will forever be grateful for her and the countless acts of kindness she has shown me.
I am blessed to say she is much more than just a nurse, I consider her my family. Nora is the most deserving of this nomination. She is the epitome of outstanding compassionate nursing, and what the DAISY award represents. Nora is truly an asset to your organization. I appreciate your time and consideration in this matter.
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Nora is a selfless, compassionate, expertly competent Rehabilitation nurse who always puts her patients first and is an outstanding caregiver and advocate for her patients. She has taken a special interest in the plight of one of my patients whose medical condition was deteriorating about 18 months ago.
The patient's only goal was to return to his home country and Nora's promise to help him get back home I believe is the reason this patient is still alive. Nora visited the patient in the hospital, cared for him in our Rehab Unit and visited with him in the nursing homes helping him without hesitation with legal issues, paying bills and ensuring he got proper medical treatment. She helped arrange travel, worked to ensure he had Medicaid paperwork in order and was the oversight the patient needed throughout his medical ordeal.
Yesterday the patient arrived at home with his below-knee prosthesis with a renewed optimism for his future. Nora is responsible for this patient's remarkable transition from merely existing to once again living in every sense of the word.
Nora is undoubtedly deserving of the prestigious DAISY Award. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to support Nora's nomination. She is truly a great nurse and a very special person.