I am honored to nominate Patrick for the DAISY Award in recognition of the extraordinary care, professionalism, and compassion he showed to my father, T, and to me during my father’s final days. My father had been in the hospital for nearly three weeks, enduring numerous treatments, and his condition had been steadily declining. Amid this challenging time, Patrick arrived at the unit and immediately demonstrated remarkable focus, initiative, and thoughtfulness in his care approach.

Patrick began with a thorough examination, explained his findings to me, and clearly outlined the goals and plan for the morning — something no one else had done to this point. Importantly, he included me in the process, asking for my thoughts and respecting my opinions, knowing that my father was a bit confused and unable to speak for himself during his stay. Patrick treated both my father and me with respect, kindness, and empathy, creating a sense of trust and calm during an emotionally overwhelming time.

Patrick’s compassion extended beyond patient care. I work at the hospital and had come back to the room on my lunch break to find my father deteriorating. Patrick arranged with my charge nurse to give me the rest of the day off — without me asking — so I could be fully present with my father. His thoughtfulness in such a moment speaks volumes about his character and humanity.

Up until that day, no one had clearly explained what comfort care was or how we could proceed. As my father was clearly getting worse, I could tell he was suffering. Patrick took the time to carefully explain how we could transition to comfort care. My father was coherent enough to understand, and together we made the difficult decision to stop treatment and focus on keeping him comfortable. Patrick worked with incredible speed and efficiency to make this transition happen. Within 24 hours of initiating comfort care, my father passed peacefully. I am certain that if it were not for Patrick’s vigilance and thoughtful guidance, my father's suffering may have gone on unnecessarily.

It is also important to note that Patrick normally works in the ICU, caring for the highest acuity patients. My father was in the stepdown unit (IMCU), and Patrick does not usually work in this there. I believe he was there that day for a reason — to help us — and his presence made all the difference.

Patrick’s professionalism, empathy, quick thinking, and heartfelt compassion went far beyond what anyone could hope for in a nurse. He honored my father’s dignity, supported our family through an unimaginably difficult time, and left an indelible impact on me. I know my father appreciated him, too. He exemplifies the qualities that the DAISY Award seeks to recognize.