Joey was the nurse taking care of my aunt just after she took an unexpected turn and landed in the ICU. This was exceptionally devastating to our entire family, as she was only in the hospital for a blood transfusion prior to starting a trial chemo at home. I’m unsure if Joey admitted her to the ICU that Friday afternoon, but he was her nurse on Saturday when family from all over the state and country began pouring in to see her. I didn’t arrive until about 4:30 and was able to be taken back just after I arrived. My uncle tried to prepare everyone what her current state was prior to entering her room for the first time, however, no amount of preparation can allow you to truly understand the acuity and deterioration of this incredible woman. Enter Joey.

Joey showed an overwhelming amount of support and empathy for not only my aunt but every family member as well. I remember stepping into the hall when he was charting and asking a few questions. He stopped what he was doing and took the time to have a detailed conversation with me. He explained why her coloring was so different. He explained what meds he was giving and why. At one point I stepped out of her room to ask if her spasms were her norm or if that was something new. And again, he stopped what he was doing to explain things and reassure us that she had been doing it all day. I could’ve been viewed as “just a niece”, not even the patient’s spouse, children, or parent. But Joey never once treated any family member as if we weren’t as important or were ever in the way.

Being an RN myself (granted, my specialty is NICU, and I run in the absolute opposite direction for all things adult) I understand how difficult it can be having many family members in a patient’s room as you’re trying to dance around everyone to give more meds, rotate her, do her assessment, etc. Joey still took the time to answer our questions and concerns, despite giving her hourly IV dilaudid and her prn morphine was q5 min. This man had an astounding amount of work and care to provide, yet he never cut a conversation short and answered with much detail and compassion.

Joey was exceptionally kind, compassionate, and empathetic. The look in his eyes when talking to any family member looked like ours did: sorrow, hopelessness, grief. He cared deeply for my aunt, and I wasn’t the only one to notice. My sister-in-law, who is not in the medical field, even said the same thing. She couldn’t believe how incredible Joey was with my aunt and all her family members.

Unfortunately, my aunt passed away overnight, and I didn’t get a chance to thank Joey again for everything he had done. A few months back, I myself had a DAISY nomination and my aunt texted me, “A nomination for a DAISY Award!! That’s a big deal and obvi well deserved”. My aunt knows the humbling honor to receive a nomination, and I have no doubt if she could have, she would’ve nominated Joey. So, I am doing this in her honor. Thank you, Joey.

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