You know the feeling when you have to do something, but you really don’t want to? Everyone has one of those times and mine was recently when I was scheduled for outpatient surgery. We arrived at the hospital at 7:00 am and were greeted by a happy lady at the check-in desk. Then it was off to the surgery center and to meet a wonderful nurse named Rachel. She was so upbeat and caring for so early in the morning and things were starting to feel relaxing and fun. She asked all the medical questions about what meds I was on, what I had taken that morning, and then the big question, “I see you use a CPAP machine?” I replied, “No, it makes me uncomfortable.” She looked at me with concern in her eyes and then spoke to me in the most calming yet ‘pay attention’ voice and said, “You should, it is better for your memory, helps your heart, and promotes better health. It’s something you should think about.”

The rest of the time at the surgery center was amazing. The care, the concern, the overall politeness of making sure we understood the checkout instructions and that if we had any questions to call. Well, Rachel, you changed my life that day. I now use the CPAP machine every night and I sleep better, feel better, and am so grateful you were my nurse that day! You truly deserve the DAISY Award!