Cassondra Shelby
May 2024
Cassondra
Shelby
,
RN
ICU
Bon Secours Mercy Health Lourdes Hospital
Paducah
,
KY
United States
Her commitment to affirming his identity significantly impacted our family’s comfort. In the short amount of time that we were there, Cassondra felt like a friend.
I am writing to nominate Cassondra for the DAISY Award for her exceptional care and compassion towards my daughter’s partner, O, during his hospitalization at Mercy Lourdes. As a trans man, O faced unique challenges and vulnerabilities, particularly in healthcare settings. However, when we arrived at Mercy Lourdes, Cassondra demonstrated unwavering respect, sensitivity, and understanding toward O’s identity and needs.
O was admitted to the ICU and placed on life support due to an attempt to end his own life. This was an incredibly distressing time for our family, filled with fear and uncertainty. However, amidst the chaos, Cassondra emerged as a beacon of comfort.
Throughout his time in the ICU, Cassondra provided unparalleled care and support. Despite the challenging circumstances, she maintained a sense of calm and reassurance that helped us navigate this difficult period.
Cassondra demonstrated exceptional professionalism and expertise in her role. She meticulously monitored O’s condition, ensuring that all medical procedures were carried out with the utmost precision and care.
More than her medical expertise, however, it was Cassondra’s compassionate nature that truly stood out. She made sure to use O’s preferred name and pronouns, creating a safe and inclusive environment for him and his loved ones. She took the time to understand his unique needs, addressing them with empathy and respect. Her commitment to affirming his identity significantly impacted our family’s comfort. In the short amount of time that we were there, Cassondra felt like a friend. Her kindness and empathy extended beyond just medical care; she became a source of strength and support for our entire family. Her empathy and unwavering dedication gave us comfort during some of our darkest moments.
I believe Cassondra highly deserves the DAISY Award in recognition of her extraordinary contributions to patient care. Her unwavering commitment to providing compassionate care, particularly to marginalized communities like the transgender community, has left a lasting impact on our family, and for that, we are deeply grateful.
O was admitted to the ICU and placed on life support due to an attempt to end his own life. This was an incredibly distressing time for our family, filled with fear and uncertainty. However, amidst the chaos, Cassondra emerged as a beacon of comfort.
Throughout his time in the ICU, Cassondra provided unparalleled care and support. Despite the challenging circumstances, she maintained a sense of calm and reassurance that helped us navigate this difficult period.
Cassondra demonstrated exceptional professionalism and expertise in her role. She meticulously monitored O’s condition, ensuring that all medical procedures were carried out with the utmost precision and care.
More than her medical expertise, however, it was Cassondra’s compassionate nature that truly stood out. She made sure to use O’s preferred name and pronouns, creating a safe and inclusive environment for him and his loved ones. She took the time to understand his unique needs, addressing them with empathy and respect. Her commitment to affirming his identity significantly impacted our family’s comfort. In the short amount of time that we were there, Cassondra felt like a friend. Her kindness and empathy extended beyond just medical care; she became a source of strength and support for our entire family. Her empathy and unwavering dedication gave us comfort during some of our darkest moments.
I believe Cassondra highly deserves the DAISY Award in recognition of her extraordinary contributions to patient care. Her unwavering commitment to providing compassionate care, particularly to marginalized communities like the transgender community, has left a lasting impact on our family, and for that, we are deeply grateful.