I arrived in the morning at Phelps Health outpatient surgery center for my scheduled foot surgery with Dr. Johnson. This may have seemed like a simple, routine surgery to most folks, but I was nervous. I had, or at least was told, that I had an allergy to an anesthetic and that I had a “difficult airway.” Just two days before, I met with the anesthesia team and discussed my options. Although I left the appointment feeling confident, I woke up a bit nervous on surgery day and wondered if the risk was worth the procedure to correct my foot problem.

My husband and I were sitting in the waiting room, and I saw Tracy’s beautiful smile on the TV screen before us. I told my husband I sure wish I had her as my nurse. Lo and behold, my name was called, and we walked back to pre-op; to my surprise, Tracy was assigned to me as my nurse. I felt my prayers were answered!

Tracy, through her natural way, settled my nerves within moments. A passerby would have thought we were having a party if they didn’t notice the IV in my arm. We talked and laughed about her kids, cars, careers, faith, you name it! She took my bundle of nerves and created a happy, confident patient. Tracy even revived me in recovery, and we were still laughing! She is humble and has no clue what a gift she has in calming a jittery patient. She is simply an angel among us who prays each day before her shift that God uses her according to his will.

Note: This is Tracy's second DAISY Award!