During one of the most terrifying moments of my life, Dayne provided extraordinary care for both my four-year-old daughter and me. What started as a routine visit to Grant Regional’s walk-in care quickly escalated into a critical situation. My daughter was struggling to breathe and began passing out. Dayne's presence and actions made all the difference. He remained calm, compassionate, and attentive, ensuring that both my daughter and I felt supported.

Despite the urgency of the situation, he took the time to keep me informed while also making my daughter feel safe and included. When she needed oxygen, he was incredibly gentle, carefully placing the tubing while making sure she remained as comfortable as possible. What stood out most was how Dayne went beyond clinical care—he provided emotional support in a way that truly exemplifies nursing at its best. Noticing my daughter’s unicorn shoes, he thoughtfully chose a special unicorn stuffed animal for her. He even placed oxygen tubing and heart monitoring stickers on the unicorn, whom they named Billy, turning a frightening experience into something that felt a little less overwhelming for a scared four-year-old.

Dayne treated my daughter with the utmost respect, speaking directly to her, explaining what was happening in a way she could understand, and earning her trust. This trust made everything easier, reducing her anxiety and allowing for a smoother course of treatment. Even though Dayne was our primary nurse, he worked seamlessly as part of a team, ensuring clear communication among staff members.

When his shift ended, he reassured me by warmly introducing the next nurse, demonstrating his professionalism and commitment to continuity of care. His respect for his colleagues was as evident as his compassion for his patients. It was an incredibly difficult and emotional experience, but his kindness, empathy, and expertise made an immeasurable impact.

He exemplifies the PETALS criteria:
• Passion and Compassion: His commitment to patient care was evident in every interaction.
• Empathy: He recognized both my daughter’s and my fears, addressing them with genuine care.
• Trust and Teamwork: He built trust with my daughter and collaborated seamlessly with his team.
• Admirable Attributes: His kindness, attentiveness, and ability to comfort others are truly remarkable.
• Love for Nursing: His actions demonstrated a deep love for his profession and his patients.
• Selflessness: He put my daughter’s well-being first, ensuring she felt safe and valued. Dayne's care transformed a terrifying situation into one where we felt heard, supported, and genuinely cared for.

I wholeheartedly nominate him for the DAISY Award in recognition of his extraordinary nursing.