In the very early morning, Everlyn was my nurse on the medical floor. I was admitted from the ER for a kidney stone that was blocking my right kidney. In all my 60 years, it was the first time I was admitted to the hospital through the ER. 

I was in pain and very anxious. Upon meeting Everlyn, I was put at ease by her kindness and professionalism. During the night, my health took a serious turn. It was Everlyn’s keen assessment skills and gut instincts that saved my life.

On her 4am check she noticed my answers to her questions were strange. I could not find words to explain myself. I was confused, yet alert. Everlyn did not just assume my confusion was due to strong pain meds (as it logically could have been). 

Her gut said something was very wrong. She proactively reached out to colleagues who assessed my very low BP and fever. Everlyn asked that a Rapid Response Team be called.  By 4:15am I was on my way to ICU. I was in septic shock, and had it not been for Everlyn, I could have died. 

The ICU nurses and team of doctors stepped in, and I am well and able to sing Everlyn’s praises. She will forever be my DAISY Award nurse.