I went to the Emergency Department for a mental health crisis, and Gina was very kind to me from the second I met her. She made sure I had snacks, water, and everything else I could need and checked on me often.

Eventually, I found out some discouraging news and became very upset. I started to have an anxiety attack, and Gina sat with me and talked me through everything and related to me, which was extremely helpful. She sat with me until my friend arrived, which was nearly three hours, and two of those hours were after her shift was over.

I often feel like people only care because it’s their job and they are obligated to, but she truly did care, and it changed my whole perspective. We need more people like her in the healthcare system.

***

I would like to nominate Gina for the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses after an interaction that I witnessed between her and her patient. Gina cared for a young woman who was experiencing a mental health crisis. When the police arrived and the patient had to be admitted, she became even more upset, and the situation could have easily escalated.

Even though Gina’s shift was over, she had built a rapport with the patient and decided to attempt to calm and comfort the patient. She spoke gently, listened, asked questions, and helped the patient understand that being admitted was the right thing to do. Gina stayed until the patient’s friend arrived, making sure she wasn’t alone.

I truly believe that because Gina took this extra time, it made a world of difference. Her calm presence completely changed the tone of the situation and prevented it from getting difficult. Gina is a new nurse, but it’s clear she has a big, caring heart and is in the right profession. Her compassion and dedication that day showed what it truly means to be a nurse.