I would like to nominate Linda Naoum from the Surgical ICU at Morristown Medical Center for a DAISY Award. I experienced something I never thought I would have to go through at only 26 years old. I suffered 2 seizures and a cardiac arrest. I remember going to sleep, and the next thing I remember was waking up in the ICU with a brain tumor. I was intubated and scared. However, when I opened my eyes, I was comforted by my nurse, Linda Naoum. She explained what was going on and eased the sheer panic I was experiencing. With every action she took, I felt her compassion during the scariest time of my life. She relaxed me and talked me through until I was successfully extubated.

After that, she showed me humanity and dignity. She got me out of bed as soon as I was able to and brushed, washed, and braided my hair in preparation for my brain surgery. Linda always made sure I was taken care of. The day of my surgery, she sat with me and provided me with words of encouragement. She even went out of her way to give me a special gift before surgery to let me know I was in her thoughts and prayers. She left me a fall candle, we bonded over my love of the fall season, and an angel with a healing message. I will never forget Linda, and I can only hope every patient in the ICU can experience a nurse like her.

Besides taking care of me, she also took care of my husband and family during this difficult time. She treated everyone like they were a part of her own family. In conclusion, Linda is one of the best nurses I’ve ever had, and I’m so thankful to have met her at a very scary time in my life. She provided comfort to all my family and me during our stay - the true definition of an outstanding, dedicated nurse. I hope she will receive this award, as she is so deserving, and I want her to know how much her care and positive attitude impacted my life during those initial days in the ICU. Her actions will remain in my heart forever. Linda in MMC SICU is simply one of a kind!