Too many to explain, from hospice care, acute care, and long-term care. She has embodied what a true compassionate human being exemplifies, while constantly representing our organization as a model leader for peers, subordinates, and administration. The quality of care she provides has set the tone and example of what is expected by all nurses and caregivers. The backpack she carries for the senior health center would certainly crumble the average person, but she continues to show up every day and care for our patients/residents and helps grow our organization as a whole.

Stacey has managed the care of two extremely challenging hospice patients this past year. In the first situation, the patient was physically and emotionally challenging for the staff due to her young age and the fact that she had a terminal illness coupled with a psychiatric diagnosis. Stacey cared for her every day that she was here, spending up to two hours with her at a time. Her care required lots of patience, understanding, kindness, clinical skills, creativity, sympathy, and empathy. When the staff was emotionally and physically drained, Stacey continued to provide the best care she could to help this patient have some control over what little time she had left. On several particularly nice days, Stacey moved the patient to a stretcher and brought her outside, through the parking lot, around the gardens, and just sat with her in the warm sunshine. These were some of the best days the patient experienced. The patient developed several medical problems that were difficult to manage, but Stacey never stopped searching for creative solutions. While the entire staff was excellent, Stacey went above and beyond to provide this patient with the quality of life she deserved.

The second patient was on Stacey's unit for a much shorter time but she required a lot of care and presented different challenges for the staff. This patient was a little older but still considered young with a terminal illness that was quickly progressing. The patient also chose to take advantage of Maine's DWD law which required a lot of preparation before she could go home. Stacey researched the law, met frequently with the patient and her husband, and helped the hospice team coordinate the process. Stacey worked hard to make sure this patient and her husband could spend quality time together, answered their questions, and supported her decision. This patient was also emotionally and physically draining for the staff but Stacey helped with her care and supported the patient, her husband, and the staff.

Stacey is a true DAISY Nurse. The first case I presented was one of the most challenging patients I've ever met in my career. Stacey's care made a significant difference in the last year of this patient's life.