Unfortunately, 2022 has not been a great year for me medically – I was diagnosed with stage 3 prostate cancer. I had a prostatectomy at Keck/USC Hospital, which required an overnight stay. After six months of physical therapy, my post-surgery incontinence had not improved at all and my urologist determined that I was unlikely to regain any meaningful continence. He suggested implanting an Artificial Urinary Sphincter to help remedy my situation and improve my quality of life. Last week, I had the AUS implantation surgery at the USC Norris Cancer Hospital (on the same campus as Keck/USC), which also required an overnight stay.

My nurse, Sarah Caleb was absolutely terrific. Not only ticked all the boxes regarding medical efficiency, professionalism, and skill, but she also went about her duties with a noticeable – and much appreciated – spirit of good cheer and compassionate respect. Sarah set an upbeat tone for the day as she got me settled in after my early morning surgery. Although busy with other patients and responsibilities, I immediately felt I was in very good hands. She checked in on me regularly throughout the day to make sure I was comfortable and doing okay, and not once did it feel perfunctory. I believe Sarah reads a room well and knew exactly how to meet my personality and vibe. That, in and of itself, is a real skill that not every nurse has or cares to develop.

Overall, I found Sarah to be delightfully engaging and good humored, which really lifted my spirits. And I needed them to be lifted in those early post-op hours. I feel very fortunate to have had her on my team, brief though it was. I wholeheartedly nominate Sarah Caleb for The DAISY Award for not only going above and beyond the call of duty … but for being such a terrific person.