While I can say the entire staff was very respectful and helpful, one nurse, in particular, definitely went above and beyond to demonstrate every criterion, of a DAISY Nurse. Her name was Sara, and I need her to know she is definitely my hero, as well as my daughter's. She was my daughter's nurse during a two day stay at the Sanford Children's Hospital (the castle). Then through a series of unfortunate events, we ended up back there. It was right past 7 pm and I know her shift was about to end, but she greeted us upon entering the floor and immediately remembered L. Each time she interacted with us, she was compassionate, respectful, kind, understanding, thorough, helpful, caring, and so much more. She showed empathy and acted swiftly and professionally every time we needed something.

I can tell this is more than "just a job" to her and she treated my daughter like more than "just a patient" as well, including staying well past her shift one day. I think it was 10pm before she left our side, and I can only assume she was at least 2-3 after her shift ended. However, she sensed my daughter's discomfort with the nurse that followed her shift, and the procedures they were going to do and stayed to personally see her through it all. I cannot put into words, how great it is, to have such a wonderful nurse through an extremely difficult and stressful situation.

Although my daughter's troubles may have seemed lesser compared to what they must deal with regularly, and Sara must've been exhausted after a long shift, she never once made us feel any less important than those with a more serious condition or situation and she never stopped letting her amazingly positive attitude shine. Thank you, Sara, for being the incredible human being you are! You deserve every award available and I thank God for nurses like you!