While doing my daily rounding today, I came to see one of our very ill patients who would soon be leaving with hospice care. The patient's stepmother and father were at the bedside. They proceeded to tell me about two Angels that had been taking care of their son. Patty was the nurse and Sandi was the PCA or "Angels" as they would call them. The father, with tears in his eyes, expressed how much it meant to him to see the care Patty and Sandi provided.

Tuesday, February 11th, 2014, was an especially busy day for this nurse. Patty had been working closely with the physicians to help facilitate information to the family. The parents had driven back from Florida to find their son in the hospital with a dismal prognosis. They'd been staying in a hotel near the airport and coming to be by their son's side every day. Day by day waiting for answers or any kind of hope. Through deliberation the family respected the wishes of the patient and requested comfort care to be given.

Patty and Sandi worked together to coordinate a relaxing bed bath, fresh linens, a new gown and pajama pants. Patty instructed Sandi to take some time and shave the patient. Altogether, nearly an hour was spent in the bathing process. The father told me his son felt better and almost like a new man. He watched how well Patty could communicate with his son. He knew his son wasn't always easy to work with, but that Patty had a way about her that worked with his son. She had the ability to bring out this comfort to their son that put him at ease. The father described Patty as an "Angel that understands what my son needs."

In talking with the patient's father, the gratitude streaming from his eyes was both happy and heartbreaking to watch. He explained to me a moment that many nurses take for granted as part of their job, and in many ways don't realize the impact it leaves on those involved. This father experienced a busy nurse taking however much time was necessary to make sure this patient was comfortable and recognized that it's the little things that make the most difference to our patients.

Patty truly has this amazing personality that comes out so naturally with her patients. She's well known for being by the book and bluntly honest almost to a fault with her co-workers. However, all that know her well see the passion to take care of her patients as that driving force. I can honestly see the passion in her eyes when she discusses the plan of care in report. With all the new technologies and changes in health care, Patty hasn't forgotten the basics of what it means to be a nurse....spending the time with your patients, whether you have it or not. Taking the time to make a difference and provide that exceptional care. Patty is a nurse that takes care or her patients in this way, every day. Patty doesn't deviate in the kind of care she provides.

In talking to the father of this patient, it was evident that she had touched his heavy heart. She gave comfort not only to the patient, but to the family as well. Patty took care of this family and patient as one and is an example to all of us in the care she provides. Patty deserves the DAISY Award because this is the kind of impact she makes with her patients and families daily.