We would like to nominate our mom’s nurse, Olivia, for a DAISY Award in recognition of the exceptional care she provided during one of the most frightening times our family has ever experienced. Our mom was placed on a breathing machine at a small hospital about 60 miles from Fargo. Everything happened very quickly, and the doctors did not yet have clear answers to our many questions. We were scared, overwhelmed, and unsure of what was happening. We were told she needed to be transferred to Sanford in Fargo for specialized care in the ICU. She was transported by ambulance, and we arrived shortly after. When we got there, we were anxious and full of questions. Olivia immediately recognized how uncertain and frightened we were. She allowed us to remain in the room and carefully explained everything that was being done in a way we could understand.

After our mom was settled, Olivia sat down with us at her bedside and took the time to explain the situation thoroughly, never making us feel rushed. After the physician left, Olivia stayed behind to ensure we truly understood what had been discussed and to answer any remaining questions. Even while our mom was sedated and intubated, Olivia provided care with incredible compassion. She explained every step of what she was doing, speaking to our mom as if she could hear her. The following day, Olivia invited us to attend rounds so we could hear the plan of care firsthand and ask questions. She prepared us for the process of waking our mom to see if she could breathe on her own. That process began early in the morning and took hours, with attempts about every half hour. Each time our mom was unable to breathe independently, our fear grew. Throughout it all, Olivia provided education, reassurance, and encouragement. She spent an extraordinary amount of time in the room making sure we understood what was happening and what it meant. When our mom became agitated by the breathing tube, Olivia sat at her bedside and held her hand, offering comfort and calm presence when it was most needed.

When the breathing tube was finally removed later that afternoon, Olivia once again went above and beyond. She sat with our mom and carefully explained everything that had happened over the previous two days, answering all of her questions with patience and kindness. We have never encountered a nurse who demonstrated such compassion, knowledge, and dedication to both patient and family. Olivia recognized and honored the individual needs of our mom and our family during an incredibly vulnerable time. This was the scariest experience of our lives, and Olivia walked alongside us every step of the way, ensuring our mom was comfortable, cared for, and treated with dignity. We are deeply grateful for Olivia and the exceptional care she provided. She truly embodies what it means to be a DAISY Award nurse. Andy Weber, family of Danita Weber