As the DAISY Award brochure states, the hallmarks of outstanding nurses include extraordinary compassion and consistently skillful care. I want to add that these nurses also demonstrate cheerful goodwill and a tireless commitment to kindness on a daily basis.

I was in Lancaster General for an extended period. Admitted for emergency lower abdominal surgery that resulted in nerve damage complications. Hence, the long stay. Carolyn was scheduled on the day shift. Every morning, I’d immediately check to see if she’d be working. On the days she was on duty, I knew I’d be in extremely capable hands. The irresistible smile that never left her face, her endless patience, her professional yet perfectly compassionate approach to her patient care, and her friendliness made all the difference to me. Mine was a difficult hospital stay. I had many pain-filled hours and several days filled with, frankly, conflicting information, aggravation, and some utterly indifferent caregivers. Carolyn stood in stark contrast to these persons.

One day, shortly before my discharge, she decided a certain type of self-adhesive bandage would be advantageous. I’m the curious sort and asked her what it was called. When I couldn’t quite understand what she was saying, she even spelled it for me. Mepilex. And she did it with that signature smile on her face. How many of your nurses would have done that? This is what I mean when I say Carolyn is a stand–out. Nursing is such a special career choice. It deserves the utmost respect from the person who chooses it as a profession as well as from the general public. Carolyn is a true DAISY Nurse.