I recently had the opportunity to see what it was like to be a patient instead of being a bedside nurse. Everyone was great in Same Day Surgery; all were polite and settled me right in. Waiting to go to the holding room was not a long wait, but I was glad when the CNA came in to get me to go to the holding room. It is not that I was eager for surgery, but I just wanted to get it over with. While I was in the holding room I had the opportunity to meet Dr. J who was polite and professional. After that, in came Tina. I have known Tina for quite a few years; from when she started out on T1. I think I was a nursing student at that time and I remember hearing her say she was leaving and transferring to the ICU. I could see in her eyes that she had dreams of becoming more than a bedside nurse. Tina had so much energy and enthusiasm.

Tina has a way about her that makes you feel welcome and that you are important. She has a soothing and calming voice. Nursing is not just about taking care of the sick or just doing your job. The person caring has to have that warmth and genuine soul. As a patient, I needed to feel the sincerity and compassion in everyone who took care of me. It is the simplest of things that can make a patient's day.

Tina explained what she would be doing in the OR, and even asked me if I minded if a medical student was with her. She did not really need to ask, but to her that is the polite thing to do. As she was explaining everything, I just nodded my head and did not say much. She asked me if I had any questions, then she did something that made me feel so at ease. She picked up my hand with hers and held it and then looked at me and asked me if I was scared or nervous, and that's when I could feel the compassion roll off of her and onto me. Now that is nursing, and that is going above and beyond. What she did in those few seconds meant a lot to me not only as a patient, but also as a nurse who takes pride in the professionalism of nursing.

Tina demonstrates excellence through her extraordinary, compassionate care. Tina is a true DAISY in my eyes and I am thankful that she is on the team here at CMMC. Thank you Tina for the simple things you do for your patients and being the role model that you are. Most of all I would like to thank you for being my nurse anesthetist during my surgery, and holding my hand.