The Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit at St. Vincent's consistently makes a difference in patients' lives by bringing teamwork and humanity to a very scary place, both physically and emotionally. The CICU goes above and beyond to support patients and families in the worst moments of their lives, while also supporting one another in difficult situations.

A shining example includes a nurse ordering a patient on comfort care and an extra-large bed so his wife could lie with him for the last moments of his life, a request that meant so much to them. The CICU understands that, as important as saving a life is, providing dignity, love, and compassion at the end of life is equally important. The CICU should be proud of the way they care for and serves the community.

During my time here, we have had a wedding in the critical care classroom, done skin-to-skin with a newborn and mother who’s never actually met her baby, and helped that same patient start her breastfeeding journey. We’ve encouraged countless patients and family members to use our stethoscopes to listen to their brand-new heart beating in their chest and reassured them that their fingers and toes aren’t actually hot but warm because they are finally being adequately perfused. We also make plans to take patients outside, even if it requires 5 caregivers, and arrange for a patient’s partner to get into bed with the love of their life for a few moments before letting them go.

This nurse-led team exemplifies outstanding teamwork by collaborating seamlessly with providers across cardiology, cardiothoracic surgery, critical care medicine, pharmacy, respiratory therapy, social work, palliative care, and other specialties.

They embody the spirit of the DAISY Award by making a lasting difference in the lives of patients, families, and the broader healthcare community through their collaborative excellence and compassionate leadership.