As a Break RN, Susan helped with the nursing care for a patient who had driven himself to the emergency room of our hospital for a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. The patient was at high risk for respiratory failure due to severe facial angioedema. Because of the swelling, he was having difficulties speaking clearly and communicating with the healthcare team.
On day three of his stay in our unit, the patient grew more and more anxious and nervous, and it took Susan's unique, deeply caring attitude and true advocacy to help him out of his desperate situation. By carefully listening to this patient, Susan was able to figure out that the patient had parked his car in the vicinity of the medical center but could not exactly remember where, and that he had left his cell phone and important paperwork in the car. He was very much afraid that someone would break into his car and steal his valuables.
Since the other staff members and security were unable to take the time and energy, Susan kindly accepted the patient's car keys and went on a mission outside. Shortly afterward, she returned, "trophies" in hand: the patient's cell phone, precious paperwork, and other valuables. You should have seen the patient's happy and grateful smile! As a truly devoted patient advocate and skillful listener, Susan had managed to take away a vulnerable person's anxiety in the blink of an eye. She demonstrated that she is an extraordinarily dedicated, tirelessly working, and truly passionate expert ICU (and break) nurse who made the one big difference in a patient's life.
This is only one example of how Susan stands out as an RN willing to go above and beyond the usual call of duty, not only for her critical care patients but also for her coworkers. She truly is a DAISY Nurse.

Note: This is Susan's 2nd DAISY Award!