June 2022
Stephanie
Campbell
,
RN
Float Pool
UCHealth Medical Center of the Rockies
Loveland
,
CO
United States
I would not be shocked to hear Stephanie has been nominated for the DAISY Award before.
I entered the emergency room early in the morning with right flank pain from a kidney stone. Radiology did a cat scan, and the radiologist noted inflammation in the appendix, recommending a surgical consult. The surgeon came immediately and said, after looking at the scan, he wanted to get me into surgery as quickly as possible, fearing my appendix perforated and then resealed abnormally. Within the hour, I was scuttled off to surgery. Following surgery, I was sent to short-term recovery for heavy-duty antibiotics. I spent the night and most of the next day in this area. I only had day shift nurses for two hours on Thursday and the next day. Those nurses were very good, but this background story is sent with my intention to bring to your attention the night nurse, Stephanie Campbell. After so many years of hospital visits, I can recognize outstanding care when I see it. Night nursing is a special challenge with patients who are often frightened, disoriented, and grumpy. I have to believe (old) people like me who arrive in their care with no expectation of surgery are even more of a challenge. The shock factor alone makes people cranky. Stephanie Campbell was such a calming influence throughout her shift. She frequently came to check on me and always was fast responding to my call. She anticipated my needs and brought me things I didn’t even think to ask for. Although she had other patients, I always felt I was her priority. I could tell she has a gentle, caring spirit and loves her nursing job. I would not be shocked to hear Stephanie has been nominated for the DAISY Award before. If not, it was only because she is in an area where patients come and go quickly and are only focused on their own needs. This award is a wonderful way to honor people like Stephanie, who play such an important role in people’s recovery but whose quiet efforts are often overlooked. I commend your ER doc, the attentive radiologist, and the surgeon, who all contributed to saving me from possible death through their quick actions. But when I was most vulnerable in my recovery, Stephanie was there to encourage me and move me forward. She is truly deserving of this award.