I was in a very bad car accident and needed to be airlifted to a level 1 trauma center for my injuries. I was told I went into cardiac arrest three different times and all my ribs were broken. I had a lacerated liver, contusions to both eyes, a broken collar bone, a dislocated shoulder, and a tibia plateau fracture, to say the least, I was unrecognizable. I was on life support and had my last rites given. I was given a second chance at life by the grace of God. I spent a year between hospitals and rehabilitation facilities learning how to walk and talk. etc. Life was not good for me. I wasn’t always treated well by the staff. 

I met this one nurse here at BCGMC and she was an absolute angel. Yesenia is a true saint, has compassion, empathy, and everything a nurse should be. I am terrified of needles, hospitals, etc., from the very start. As soon as I came on the unit, Yesenia was so kind and friendly and made me feel as if I had known her my entire life. I was no longer terrified. In fact, I had forgotten about all the horrible experiences I had after my car accident and the many encounters/interactions with different nursing staff who were rude, to say the least. Yesenia was gentle and didn’t jab or fish for a vein. One try and Yesenia was in, and I am not an easy stick, and I pass out at the sight of a needle. Yesenia made sure I was comfortable and explained everything that was going on/happening. Yesenia’s dedication to her patients is admirable, and it shows in the excellent care that she provided not only to me but to other patients as well. I am grateful for her kindness and compassion during my stay here. I thank Yesenia for her hard work and devoted labor- there were many patients I saw her interact with, and she went above what a nurse has ever done for me. I wish there were more nurses like her. I feel that she is most deserving of the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses- that she has a light that shines so bright, and that light should always be given recognition so that it never dims.