After placing an IV on this patient, we spent some time talking. She was very blue and frustrated with the lack of normalcy in her life, as well as how it was affecting not only her, but everyone in her family. Their anniversary was important to her, so I tried to get her to focus on the positives. I told her we would get an anniversary party together and that even though she couldn't be home, we would make it something special for her and her husband to remember. I went out and spoke with her primary nurse, who was wonderful. She gave me a number for the patient experience department, and I called them and left a message. We got a plan together for what we were going to do. I went down to the gift shop and got some party items ( I think fliers and a balloon) and a couple of plastic champagne-like glasses as well as a card for her to give her husband. She was a lovely patient and so appreciative! The nurse was going to follow up with patient experience. I called PE later and they put me in contact with someone who was going to try to arrange a special, romantic dinner from the food service. We arranged for a time so that she could tell her husband to come in. It's just what nurses do. We wanted her to feel, supported and loved. I can't imagine being our age (yes, she was my age) and going through something so catastrophic as a heart transplant. I went back up to the third floor the following week when I was scheduled and found out that she had, indeed, gotten her heart! I am proud to be a part of such a great team!

Tammy exudes caring in ways that go beyond the traditional nurse care role. She is the heart of our team!

Note: This is Tammy's 2nd DAISY Award!