Sam was a Godsend to our family as she took care of L, our wife, mother, sister, and friend. Being in ICU for multiple days was a massive physical and emotional toll on our family, and I cannot even imagine how much more difficult this process would have been without Sam.
She provided unbelievable comfort and care to L and went out of her way to make sure L and our family had everything we needed over a few days.
On the day we took L off the machine and let her breathe on her own, Sam was scheduled to work a normal 7 am - 7 pm shift. Once we decided to take L off the machine, it seemed like Sam never left the room. She checked on L more than she had been which was a lot already.
L's family felt like Sam became an extended part of our family in just a few short days. I have never met a more compassionate, merciful, and warmhearted nurse in my entire life than Sam. While we were saddened and devastated at the loss of L, there is also a sense of comfort and peace that we were fortunate enough to meet Sam and create memories with her that will last a lifetime.
The DAISY Award is supposed to be an Honor for Extraordinary Nurses, but Sam is more than that. She is an Angel and was the biggest blessing on some of the worst days of our lives.