Kamryn took care of my grandpa for four days in the progressive care unit. Our family had received the news that my grandpa was diagnosed with Stage 3 Esophageal Cancer and was admitted to the progressive unit to receive inpatient radiation and care (at this point, we were given a couple months to a few months to live). This news was devastating to our family, but Grandpa and ourselves were ready to tackle these couple of months and cherish every moment we had left.

Kamryn started taking care of Grandpa that Friday. She was amazing from the start, and Grandpa sure liked her; he is not trusting of healthcare, so this was a big win. Kamryn was incredibly patient and kind with our family, as we had multiple people visiting and calling, and all of us were in different locations and equally worried. As a nurse myself, Kamryn treated me with utmost respect and was transparent with me when I asked for the hard facts.

Late Friday evening I called Kamryn to check-in, at this time she told me she knew I was planning on coming down Sunday to spend time with him, but she was fearful if I did not arrive sooner, I may not receive quality time with him that I want. All of this news was incredibly difficult to process, as we were given a diagnosis and some time to process, yet now it felt like I had no time. I remember my husband asking me what the doctors were saying and if he had a status change. I told him and myself that I knew the nurse's intuition and to trust her. I've been in her shoes before, and sometimes, as a nurse, you know before everyone else does, and I wasn't going to argue that. I packed up and drove from Des Moines to Lincoln. I spent the night at his bedside and was able to spend time with Grandpa from 5 AM-9:30 AM the next morning, visiting with him and reminiscing on the days with him.

Later that day, I felt he was in a good spot and drove back home to be with my children. I told Grandpa I loved him, and he told me he loved me back, smiled, and squeezed my hand. That morning was the last time I had a conversation with my grandpa. I returned the next day, and we transitioned him to comfort care. We moved him to the hospice that Monday, where my mom and I stayed at his bedside. Tuesday evening, I had a pull to leave, and I said my goodbyes. Grandpa ended up passing the next day with my mom by his side, one week after we were given months. I will forever be grateful to Kamryn, as she was honest and upfront with what she felt as a nurse from her experience and nursing judgment; because of that, I was able to get time with Grandpa.

Grandpa and I are incredibly close, the closest actually. He was my #1, and I was his; according to him, I was the light of his life, and he most definitely was mine. Her intuition gave me time. I am still incredibly heartbroken and shocked as I write this DAISY Award, but all I think is how appreciative I was for her. Kamryn demonstrates patience and kindness in her nursing care, along with knowledge of her patient population. She truly supported family-centered care, as she managed multiple family members and conversations but ensured that her patient was the priority. Grandpa joked with her and was his true self, which makes me so grateful his last days were spent being cared for by someone as great as Kamryn. When Kamryn was there, I did not have to worry about his care or not knowing about a change in his status.

As a nurse, Grandpa always told me I was a gift and the world needed more of me. I truly believe Grandpa felt the same way towards Kamryn as a nurse. I will forever appreciate you, and you have a very bright future ahead of you, Kamryn! What you do matters—even on those long and difficult shifts—you make a difference. Keep rocking it, girl!