September 2020
Stacy
Lara
,
BSN, RN
Med Surg Dept 435
Kaiser Permanente Santa Clara Medical Center
Santa Clara
,
CA
United States
Stacy had this calming effect when she came into a room and spoke with me; I never felt rushed or pressured, yet I felt encouraged.
I was admitted to the surgical/orthopedic floor after a critical, 8 hr long procedure. I am a stage 3 breast cancer survivor and, in 2017, made the difficult decision to undergo a double mastectomy with Diep flap reconstruction; however, when I woke up, I only had one breast. This was devastating and heartbreaking, but after a year and a half of recovery, I made another difficult decision to attempt the procedure again in order to regain my left breast, and it was successful this time! I truly believe it was successful due to the hard work of the surgeons but also to the vigilance of a special nurse whom I am nominating for the DAISY Award. I am nominating registered nurse Stacy Lara. Stacy arrived every day with a smile on her face and a positive attitude, which rubbed off on me. She even went out of her way to wear a breast cancer awareness scrub top just to show her support for me. She was diligent with her hourly checks of the artery and vein with the doppler, she took her time and did not seem rushed, and she explained to me what it was we were listening for. Every time we heard the pulse of the artery and the swooshing of the vein, we shared a big smile together. Stacy was also on top of my pain management. I was reluctant to take anything, but Stacy explained to me it is important for recovery to stay on top of my pain. She was there with a dose when it was due, without judgment, and with her priority being my comfortability and a smooth start to recovery. I was also concerned about showering and bathing, and Stacy took those worries away again as she helped me wash my hair and stay clean. Stacy had this calming effect when she came into a room and spoke with me; I never felt rushed or pressured, yet I felt encouraged. For example, it was time for me to get up out of bed and into a chair. I did not feel rushed; I felt like it was ultimately my decision, and I felt ready with her help to do so. Se was also attentive to my husband, who stayed at the bedside every day and night. She was not upset by his presence and went out of her way to make sure he was also taken care of by getting him food or something to drink and just by simply checking on him and asking if he was okay too. It meant so much to us and warmed our hearts that she thought of him as well. As we were leaving, we gave her a card and told her we wanted to do more for her, but she replied by telling us that nursing is her passion and that she is more than happy to do it. Never have my husband and I met a more passionate, selfless, patient, and loving nurse who is as committed to her patients as Stacy is. In our eyes, she exemplifies what a nurse should be. We will always remember Stacy; our love, thoughts, and prayers are always with you so that you can continue to make an impact on others, and we pray for your health and happiness. From the bottom of our hearts, we appreciate you, Stacy. You deserve this award.