Peter Ganstrom is a current N3 student in my 339 cohort. We had our clinical rotation here at KU Health System on the gynecology/urology floor. During one of our recent clinical shifts, Peter was paired with a nurse who was caring for a patient who after a recent surgical intervention for uterine cancer had a small bowel obstruction. This patient was an elderly female who was confused and in distress because of uncontrollable nausea/vomiting and associated intense pain. The patient was experiencing anxiety and had difficulty understanding why she was experiencing these symptoms and why the nurse needed to perform multiple invasive interventions. This patient's anxiety made performing these interventions difficult and I witnessed and overheard Peter engaging in therapeutic communication, going to great lengths to make space for the patient to express her concerns while also providing exceptional patient-focused education on why she was experiencing these symptoms and how the interventions were going to help. The patient was to receive an NG tube for decompression. I witnessed from outside the room as the primary nurse inserted and bridled the tube while Peter focused on the patient and coached her through the entire procedure. Not only did he coach her through the difficult procedure, but he also brought himself to her level, sat on the side of the bed, held her hand, and reassured her constantly about how well she was doing during the insertion. Peter utilized empathy in using statements such as "I know this tube is uncomfortable, just keep trying to swallow and it will help us, I know this doesn't feel good at all and I am sorry." For the duration of the procedure Peter stayed with that patient and focused on supporting her. Once the procedure was complete, the patient was upset, confused, and frightened. She asked if it would be possible for someone to sit with her until she calmed down. She had no family or friends present and did not want to be alone. Peter volunteered to stay with her, and remained seated at her side providing comfort and presence.

I asked his nurse if she would share with me her perspective of the events and Peter's actions, and I want to share a direct quote from her, "We had to put an NG tube into that patient, and she was so anxious and afraid, she was all alone. Peter coached her through that entire procedure. The way in which he conducted himself was not only a comfort to her, but he also taught me some great ideas. This was my first NG tube, and I know I was successful because I had Peter there not only for our patient but also for me. Seeing how he comforted her during that time and volunteering to stay with her warmed my heart, and it demonstrated a nurse/patient relationship that we value greatly here at KU. I truly believe that in such a short time, he established a therapeutic relationship, and this patient trusted him implicitly. He's going to be an outstanding nurse and affect people's lives in the future."

As his clinical instructor, I believe Peter has demonstrated the true spirit of nursing, service, and empathy. Over the course of our clinical experience, Peter has demonstrated his dedication to not only being a well-educated nurse but also serving his patients where they exist and serving from a stance of empathy and compassion. I have witnessed no less than five events of Peter providing exemplary care and I know that he has provided this care with no thought of reward or recognition, because just as he does not know I am nominating him for this award he did not know I was observing him with the patient who was suffering from an acute bipolar somnolent episode, or the patient with schizophrenia, the patient with metabolic encephalopathy and several others. Any of those stories are just as deserving of recognition in a DAISY nomination; I chose this one because of the clear example of dedication, empathy, compassion, and evidence-based care. My time as clinical instructor for Peter has shown me that not only would I gladly be his peer in any setting with any patient, but I would trust him to care for my loved ones, and I can offer no higher praise. I have the utmost confidence in saying that during this 2023-2024 academic year, I can think of no other student who deserves this award more than Peter Ganstrom.