Cassie seems to always find a way to make a difference, connecting with people on a personal level. She recognized that the patient was nearing the end of life. She was so compassionate and empathetic for this patient and his wife. The wife's birthday was the next day, but recognizing that the patient probably wouldn't make it another 24 hours or ever be able to make his wife feel special on a birthday again. Cassie took it upon herself to go to the store after her shift, purchase a birthday cupcake, flowers, and not one but two cards. She wasn't sure if the patient was an emotional card giver or a funny card giver - so bought both. The patient was asleep when she returned, and the wife had gone home to make a few calls to the family about the pending death. Cassie asked an employee to help her. She asked a coworker (confidentially) to help the patient when he woke for his medications to help him sign the card of his choice (or both). She wanted him to have a sense of peace and allowed one more birthday with his wife but knew he couldn't get out to do something special for her. Sadly, the patient died the next day as Cassie had predicted. But the wife expressed her great appreciation and joy from the gesture from Cassie (and her spouse's message of course). I celebrate her not only as a great RN but also as a great human!

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