There are many reasons that i can think of that make Terry Fricks the perfect nominee for the DAISY Award. It starts with her dedication to the staff in the Emergency Department. She has open house each holiday to make sure that there are not any Soldiers left alone during those tough times when they are away from all of their families. She volunteers for many VA functions to give back to her community. She has actively been a part of our health fairs in the community. I could just go on and on about her service to others. She shines and stands out in our department, our hospital and our community. It is with no wonder that when you look at her care for her patients that she stands out even more.

One example of this took place a couple of months ago. We had a critical diabetic patient that was in our ED. Terry started her slow and methodical treatment for the patient. Not only did she monitor all the critical labs on this patient, but she took the time to explain every step of the way what we were trying to do for the patient. Although the patient was minimally aware of all the great feats that she was performing for him, there is one thing that stood out and really shook the patient. Terry took the time to locate his wife, and find transportation for her to the hospital. Once the wife arrived, she sat her down and slowly started to explain what had been going on. She had a ton of questions and Terry made sure that she answered each one. She found out that the wife had not eaten yet for that day. Before you could blink an eye, Terry was right there offering the patient's wife her own personal lunch that she brought to work that day. She was so grateful that she started to cry. Terry knew that it was all of the emotional pressure she was feeling that brought her to the point of tears. The wife was terrified that she was going to lose her husband. Terry made sure that was not going to happen and kept her a part of his care and care decisions. She spent time teaching her and the patient about his diabetes and what led him to be in the state he was that day.

The patient remained so critical that he had to be transferred to FMH's ICU. Again, Terry jumped right in and took care of transportation for his wife. She made sure the nurses in the ICU were aware of the circumstances of the day. The wife was so grateful for all that Terry had done. It was the difference from being in an out of control crisis and coping effectively with the events. Terry's calm and caring approach made everything seem to go so smoothly.

This is such a perfect snap shot of what Terry Fricks is about. She is what we all hope for in a nurse. She is kind, thoughtful and caring to all the lives that she touches. I am thankful and honored to work with such a wonderful person and a truly fantastic nurse.