I was admitted to OHSCU emergently early in the morning of 12/13/12 with a diagnosis of Birkitt's lymphoma under the care of Dr's F and B. Needless to say, I was frightened about what was happening and concerned about my prognosis. The treatment itself seemed to be daunting. Leslie Peterson was my night shift nurse for three nights in a row. She was highly professional, interested, and helpfulvolunteering to get me information and supplies that I needed. Her demeanor was calming and reassuring. She had the right balance of empathic concern and clinical communication.

The event in particular that I am writing about occurred on my second night under her care. She noticed that I was having apneic periods while I was sleeping. Suspecting that I might have sleep apnea, she decided to place the oximeters on both hands for the rest of the night. She noted that my O2 saturation was falling into the 70's during these apneic periods, while they usually ran in the mid-to-upper 90's. She started me on 2L of oxygen (I believe in consultation with the mid-level practitioner,) which greatly improved my sleep and breathing. Her keen observation, appropriate clinical action and treatment intervention made my stay more comfortable and set in motion a sleep study which occurred when I got back home. Indeed I have sleep apnea, and got my CPAP machine right before I came back to OHSCU for my second round of chemo. I am sleeping so much better with this equipment, and I am sure that addressing the sleep apnea will improve my ability to manage the effects of the adriamycin on my heart, and it will improve my quality of life and health when I get through the cancer treatment!

I am a child psychiatrist and an associate professor in the department of medical education at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine. I have taught a course in medical communication for the past 10 years and have been involved in researching, writing, presenting and training in medical professionalism. Ms. Peterson exhibits altruism, excellence, initiative and leadership. If she were a medical student in my program I would write her a letter of commendation. I am taking the opportunity to recommend her for the DAISY award since that is the appropriate recognition here.

I will say that all of the nurses, techs, doctors and secretaries on the OHSCU have been extraordinary in the care, competence and interest in patient well-being they show. To stand out in this amazing crowd is indeed an accomplishment."

GST, MD, FAPA