I have been fortunate to work with a lot of incredible nurses for many years at different hospitals and states. A large part of my practice entails oncologic palliative treatment for patients with severe pain. I can only recall a few other nurses who have ever been as dedicated and emotionally bonded with patients they have only met and worked with for a few hours.
We had a patient who had intractable bone pain for 10 years from metastatic breast cancer, where she was unable to walk without assistance or sit comfortably without pain. After performing the procedure, the patient's pain was completely resolved. When I stepped away for a minute and looked back,Suzy was holding the patient's hand, and they were both crying and praying together, for it was the first time in a decade that the patient didn't feel any pain. Usually, after a procedure, the IR nurse does not see the patient.
The patient told me later that day that Suzy went up on her own, multiple times after the procedure to check on the patient and share her compassion. One may ask, how does this separate her or differentiate her from other nurses? I don't believe procedural nurses often have the same longevity/interaction with patients to establish that bond. Suzy always establishes such a deep and passionate bond with all her patients. She is not only delightful with her patients, but she is also the biggest team player. She continuously volunteers to help everyone. Suzy is one nurse I would entrust to take care of my own family. She is the definition of what the DAISY Award represents.