As a nurse, I am used to being “in control” of all my healthcare needs/concerns. I recently had surgery and preop felt fine with being able to voice my needs, worries, etc. however my fear was when I got to the OR and would not be “in control”. My fears were alleviated the moment Shermie came into the prep room to greet me. At that time, I knew I had the best advocate possible for when I would be asleep in the operating room. She reassured me she would be right there the entire time. As I arrived in the OR with Shermie, I was warmly greeted by EVERYONE. She made sure I had pillows under my knees for my bad back, warm blankets as I was cold, privacy when my robe was removed, etc. And when I woke up in the PACU, she was still at my side. I knew she had been my eyes and ears when I was asleep and that was such a comfort to me. Shermie is such a huge patient advocated, great attention to detail, and does everything just as it should be done – by the book.

I don’t think the patients she cares for know how lucky they are when she is their nurse. I do know and I had a wonderful OR experience. She is all about the patient, every patient, every time. Shermie is truly deserving of the DAISY award as she lives the Sanford Values each and every day she works.