My daughter is 8 years old, and recently visited RAMC's ER. Scared and with a heart rate > 200, she was welcomed by Melissa, who made her feel safe and at ease. Melissa tried everything under the sun to get C's heart rate controlled, and her rhythm to convert (vagal maneuvers), all the while joking and making it fun for my daughter. She had such a good rapport with C that when it came time to start an IV, it was okay. C handled it better than I'd ever seen her handle it before, and Melissa got the IV on the first try. Melissa held her hand and told her how proud she was of her, and then went on with her cares. 

Throughout our ~5 hour stay, Melissa spent a great deal of time with my daughter, even though I know the ER was busy and she was probably being pulled in multiple directions. When she'd come in the room she would sit by C's bed, hold her hand, and look at her at eye level. Her communication was fantastic, and her care was phenomenal.

When we were discharged, my daughter walked across the room and gave her new "friend" Melissa a hug. In the car, on the way home, she didn't discuss how scary her day had been, how yucky the medicine that made her heart rhythm convert made her feel, or how the IV start was. Instead, she talked about Melissa and asked if it would be okay if she invited Melissa to her next birthday party. 

Unfortunately, we returned to the ED the very same night, about 4 hours later, as Melissa was finishing her shift. C had a different assigned nurse, but Melissa came in to see her, to wish her luck, and to give her that little extra care that went a long way. When she walked out, my daughter teared up, because Melissa was the nurse that made everything okay. 

I am very grateful for the care my daughter received that day. Melissa is very deserving of the DAISY Award, as she went above and beyond to provide great care to her little patient.