I have volunteered in the ER at another facility for five years, where I witnessed firsthand countless dedicated, caring, and competent nurses. Since November, I have been dealing with bladder cancer, which has included a four day stay at City of Hope and a five day stay at another facility. During my multiple visits to City of Hope, I have been assisted by numerous nurses in various departments, all of whom have been conscientious and highly skilled. Recently, I had the good fortune to be helped by Lannie in the Transfusion Department. Lannie is in a class by herself. Let me enumerate the reasons.
On the occasion that Lannie was my nurse, I was accompanied by my wife, who was carrying a bulky bag. No sooner did Lannie seat me than she brought over a chair for my wife. After spending a few minutes with me, Lannie noticed that there was room behind the chair and quickly had my wife stand and changed its position so that she would be more comfortable. On the many occasions that I have had an IV placed in one of my arms, only twice was it done on the first try. Lannie was one of the two. Given the nature of my veins, others have taken up to three times using both arms. Other nurses used a heating pad to make my veins more visible, Lannie used two. She also made it a point to affix the IV with extra tape. During all this time, she explained what she was about to do and frequently asked if I was ok. Lannie, of course, had other patients and would pass by my chair from time to time. On every occasion, she paused to ask if I was comfortable.
I found Lannie to be an exceptionally competent and conscientious nurse, whose skills were equaled by her caring and compassionate manner. Both my wife and I were impressed and touched by the way in which she treated both of us. Lannie made me feel as though I was important both as a patient and as a human being. She is simply extraordinary.
Note: This is Lannie's 2nd DAISY Award!