I have been an RN for 22 years, an APN for 8 years, and a Tenured Professor of Nursing in Chicago for 5 years. With that being said, I feel I have some expertise in knowing an excellent, committed, and, most importantly, safe and caring nurse when I see one. To be clear, Diana did not know my healthcare or academic background…she simply treated me as she would have treated any patient and that is the real gem! Diana is the sheer definition of the written ANA Code of Ethics, which guides Nursing Practice and holds us accountable. Not only is she kind and caring and provides excellent patient care, but she is also the reason why patient outcomes and satisfaction are great at IMMC. I came up from the OR with a foley in place and had the worst bladder spasms once fully awake. While some RNs may have thought a “foley is not that bad”, Diana listened, paged, waited and then called into the OR to reach the resident and had it removed immediately. This happened within the 10 minutes I was on the unit. From that moment, I knew I was in excellent hands and truly blessed with care and compassion that allowed me to rest and await discharge. I never hit the “call button” because Diana was always there, simply checking on me, managing my pain, and keeping me informed.

In closure, RNs are the glue that holds healthcare together. They need to be recognized and absolutely celebrated for the daily work they do when no one is watching! Not only have I completed this nomination, but I also called the unit once home to remind Diana how great she was before her shift ended and then called the next morning to speak with the unit manager on 9 Stone to again speak highly of this Nurse. I prioritized all of this during my own recovery, as this was important to me. Patients are often quick to complain, but shy & slow to state when care is excellent. I am also drafting a letter to send to the CNO at IMMC so that all Leadership knows about Diana RN. My goal is to pay it forward and bless this RN, who has been at IMMC for ten years, to know how valuable she is to the patients she touches and also let leadership know who you have on your team and why retaining GOOD nurses should be a priority. 

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