Imagine the day when one has to walk into an area against all will to receive a life-saving treatment that is a toxic poison. Imagine being a nurse who knows way too much about the effects of this treatment on her heart, cells, and mind and has seen countless people succumb to said treatment. I had a million reasons why I didn't want to be there last November and I resisted it with every cell in my body. And then there was Gwen.
We were graciously given a private room due to my wonderful friends and family who were there to support me. As Gwen escorted us back to the room, my eyes filled with tears as every step that I took I felt as though I just wanted to run away. Gwen noticed me and took my hand and looked into my eyes and said "I know you are scared and we are going to take great care of you—You are going to do this!"
Every step of the way she explained each process, medication, and used such love and empathy around my fears. She injected humor and love into her nursing practice. I asked her that first day if she would consider being my nurse for each treatment. She accepted that challenge-and I say challenge due to the good fortune of me always having several visitors to stay with me during each treatment. Gwen knew that we didn't want to upset other patients by being loud, so she arranged a room for "us" each treatment day and ensured that she was my nurse. I know that she was busy with other patients, but during the whole four months of treatment, each time Gwen treated me as if I was the only individual patient for her that day.
She embodies Jean Watsons Theory of Human Caring: Specifically--"Being authentically present, and enabling and sustaining the deep belief system and subjective life world of self and the one-being-cared- for"; Developing and sustaining a helping-trusting, authentic caring relationship, "Creating healing environment at all levels, (physical as well as non-physical, subtle environment of energy and consciousness, whereby wholeness, beauty, comfort, dignity, and peace are potentiated".
I can honestly say that Gwen is one of the most caring nurses that I have met in my 20 year nursing practice. She made a huge difference in my experience and in closing I would like to say that I looked forward to each of my treatments so that I could see Gwen. I imagine how many lives she touches each day with her loving and kindness. It is my pleasure to nominate Gwen for the DAISY Award as she is the epitome of a loving and caring nurse who makes a difference to her patients and families! Thank you for all you do!