During a recent hospital stay, I found myself in an unexpected and stressful situation. There was a lot of uncertainty, and I was anxious about what was ahead. In the middle of that, Savannah became a steady and reassuring presence. I am nominating her for the DAISY Award because the care she gave me went far beyond; it was personal, thoughtful, and deeply comforting.  From the very beginning, Savannah made me feel at ease. She explained everything clearly, patiently answered all my questions, and ensured I never felt like I was just another patient on a busy floor. She treated me like a whole person, with kindness, empathy, and respect.

Savannah is incredibly skilled at helping patients settle in and feel comfortable. Her ability to walk me through what to expect helped ease my anxiety. She never rushed me, and her calm and confident manner made a big difference during a difficult time.  She was also entirely on point, always one step ahead. Whether she checked on me before I even pressed the call button or made sure I had water nearby (which I drank constantly), she handled every little thing with care. It might sound simple, but those gestures had a huge impact on how I felt during my stay.

What stood out even more was her attention to detail. Savannah remembered the little things I mentioned in passing, such as my routine, my family, and how I felt. She made me feel seen and genuinely cared for, and I will never forget that.  Even with everything happening around her, Savannah remained focused, supportive, and kind, not just with me, but with everyone around her. She is the kind of nurse who makes people feel safe, understood, and valued. Savannah represents the very best of what nursing should be. She made a lasting impact on me, and I am so grateful for her presence during my time in the hospital.

***

I am writing to nominate Savannah for the DAISY Award for the truly exceptional care she has provided to me over the past few nights.

I arrived on her floor after a difficult experience in the Emergency Room, feeling upset, exhausted, and quite frankly, grumpy due to a miserable acute fever and chills.

Adding to my distress is a serious chronic heart condition and significant PTSD stemming from receiving CPR a few years ago.

As I was being transferred from the uncomfortable ER stretcher to the bed, the PCT attempted to take my blood pressure. The initial reading of 80/20 immediately triggered immense fear in me.

Savannah, however, remained remarkably calm and reassuring. "That's not correct," she stated with a confident yet gentle demeanor. When the second reading mirrored the first, I could feel a full-blown panic attack beginning to escalate. My past trauma related to my heart condition and CPR made this moment incredibly terrifying.

It was in this critical moment that Savannah's extraordinary nursing skills and compassionate presence truly shone. Her cool composure and confident expertise helped me to take a deep breath and trust her judgment. She calmly and efficiently re-assessed my blood pressure, and the third reading was significantly better. Her ability to remain so calm and collected in the face of my distress not only prevented a severe panic attack but also instilled a sense of trust and safety in me.

Beyond this initial critical moment, Savanna spent considerable time ensuring I was settled and as comfortable as possible. She consistently checks in on me, always making sure I am okay and addressing any discomfort I might be experiencing. Her nursing practice is exemplary; she is attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely cares about my well-being. I, too, am a nurse, which is part of the reason I am writing this. We need good nurses in this current healthcare climate, and Savannah is fantastic. As a patient and a [former] clinician, I implore y'all to protect this woman at all costs!

Savannah has treated me with so much light and love. She really brightened up the room when she entered it, and after discussing her with the dayshift nurses, it's clear that Savannah treats all her patients like they are one of her own family or friends. And last night she treated me that way, and it was exactly what I needed.

Savannah's quick thinking, calm demeanor, and exceptional nursing skills not only prevented a frightening medical event but also provided me with a sense of security and comfort during a very vulnerable time. She is a true asset to your nursing team, and I am incredibly grateful for her compassionate and skilled care.

These are the ways that Savannah helped me:
* Preventing a Panic Attack: Savannah's calm and expert response to the initial low blood pressure readings prevented a severe panic attack in a patient with significant PTSD related to cardiac events.
* Providing Reassurance: Her confident demeanor and clear communication helped to alleviate the patient's fear and build trust.
* Ensuring Comfort: She took the time to settle the patient and continues to prioritize their comfort.
* Demonstrating Excellent Nursing Practice: She consistently provides attentive and knowledgeable care.

Savannah's actions had a profound positive impact on me. She not only addressed my immediate physical needs but also recognized and responded to my emotional distress stemming from past trauma. Her calm presence and skillful intervention prevented a terrifying panic attack and helped me feel safe and cared for. Her ongoing attentiveness and commitment to my comfort have made a significant difference in my overall well-being during this difficult time.

If there was one last quick point I would love to make, it's that Savannah had several patients last night, but I never once felt that she was rushing or that I was taking too much of her time.

Thank you for considering Savannah for the DAISY Award. She is a truly remarkable nurse who embodies the spirit of compassionate and skillful care.

Thank you for taking the time to read this, and Savannah - if you get a chance to read this, thank you for having my back the past two nights.

Thank you, Savannah, for all you do for our patients, families, and team members!