I remember the first time I met Anne Willer. I thought she was a visitor. Her scrub top could be confused for a blouse and she was sitting on the bed next to the patient, holding their hand talking with them as a daughter would to their parent. I remember going in thinking I should offer her a chair but then saw her name tag and realized she was the nurse. It is quite remarkable to witness Anne develop relationships with each and every patient she cares for. When she provides information or teaching, she will sit eye level, right next to the patient and spend the time to make sure they understand everything. She not only provides personalized, compassionate care for patients but for the families as well and always makes herself available to them. It is not unusual to find Anne sitting at the bedside enjoying her patients and their family's company.
Last week, I was walking through the cancer center and saw Anne with one of her patients. They were listening to the piano player enjoying the sun coming in through the window. Later when I was conducting hourly rounds, I met the patient Anne was sitting with. She told me about her trip to the cancer center and how wonderful it was to get off the floor and feel the sunshine. She had been challenged with her roommate and unable to get some quiet time. She additionally remarked about the darkness in the room having been located on the door side of the room. The patient said she didn't want to complain because she knew the roommate was sick, but Anne had insisted on the trip and the patient was grateful for the excursion. Anne's enthusiasm for nursing and learning is contagious. Even after extremely challenging shifts, she maintains this wonderful, positive perspective. She serves as an amazing mentor for staff and a strong advocate for patients. Anne is a true DAISY Nurse for the extraordinary personalized care she provides each patient and family she encounters.