I am an RN working in a hospital. I experienced a medical emergency while at work that resulted in hospital admission, a cardiac catheterization, and received a pacemaker! Ms. Riza Guillen was one of the nurses who cared for me in the cardiac cath lab. She was extraordinary and I feel as if she was "my angel" during my entire experience in the cardiac cath lab. The catheterization was scheduled abruptly.
Riza accepted me into the cardiac cath lab and explained every detail I would experience before and during the procedure. I did not experience any anxiety at all. She was so sweet and empathetic with my emotional, tearful self. I had a reaction to the antibiotic during the procedure and she scratched my itchy arm until it itched no more and never made me feel as if I was bothering her! I could not scratch my own arm as I could not move during the procedure and be covered with sterile drapes. She immediately stopped the medication I was reacting to, notified the doctor, and treated me for the reaction or delegated the tasks as she worked on my irritated arm.
Riza also made sure my family member was notified of the results after the cardiac catheterization that led to a pacemaker (this was in between procedures while she was still responsible for my care). This was an example of her going above and beyond. I felt such a special connection to her and so safe in her care. She met all of the criteria the DAISY Award honors! I could not have been any more comfortable and cared for than I was by her. I am forever grateful!