Steve is a special nurse, with a bedside manner unmatched. Every time I have worked with him I witness him coax a smile from a frightened child, calmed the tears of a patient with dementia, smooth the ruffled feathers of a patient forced to wait for results, a room or bed. He takes the time to listen, hearing what the need is and then whatever is within his power to provide he does.

One evening I had a patient who was unhappy with the prospect of being admitted. She was hungry and angry at having to wait more than 6 hours for a bed. She wanted to sign out AMA. She was very ill and needed to stay but nothing I had to offer was appeasing her. I knew Steve could listen and maybe help her to stay. Steve came without question and sat down to talk to her. With loving-kindness, he made her feel heard and her wants important. He arranged for simple food requests that patient had provided, using his own money without the thought of repayment. The patient was given exactly what she needed spiritually, mentally and physically.

This is one small example of how Steve practices. He is the heart of this ER when he is in charge. His staff is as valuable to him as his patients. Ask any nurse on any unit and he is known for his talent for providing a healing environment that promotes trusting relationships to develop. With creative solutions he is able to convey his ability to authentically hear the needs of those in his care. He places the interests of the patients and staff in a place of importance allowing for miracles of caring and love to occur.

It is an honor and privilege to work with him. In my mind he embodies the very nature of what the DAISY award symbolizes, a deep commitment to the practice of nursing,one of loving-kindness.