When she learned that a patient who frequently comes in for procedures would be seen on her birthday, Mary Rasmussen, Surgical Prep and Recovery, made sure her day was special. When the patient arrived for her appointment, Mary presented her with a birthday cake. Mary's compassion and consideration are why she received the DAISY Award.
"The patient has family in town, but often she is her own caretaker and spends a lot of time alone," says Mary. "I wanted to make her day special for her and remind her that she is cared about."
Mary and her co-workers succeeded. The patient commented that her daughter, who brought her to the appointment, had not wished her a happy birthday and that the cake she received from Mary was probably the only gift she would receive that day.
"My reward was the patient's happiness that day. It brings tears to my eyes just knowing we made her birthday better, just by giving something so simple."
Mary says she was humbled to be recognized and given the DAISY Award after serving as a staff nurse for 31 years and that the support of her colleagues transformed her throughout the years into a better staff nurse. "I believe all the nurses on my unit go above and beyond, and everyone deserves recognition. We look out for each other, and I draw strength from their support.