Let’s be clear, coming to the hospital for any reason sucks. Some people endure traumatic injuries; some have lifelong medical issues that bring them here. I, on the other hand, contributed to my recent visit to Sycamore Shoals Hospital.

I am an alcoholic who has been struggling with addiction for 9 years, and I have been a struggling yet recovering alcoholic for 3 years now. I have had multiple visits to the hospital for pancreatitis. It’s a shameful diagnosis, and I feel as if I’ve become a frequent flyer at it’s quite embarrassing to say the least. Sometimes I feel as if the staff knows that I’m here because I continue to drink and have given up hope to do better for myself, but addiction is hard.

I know deep down that most do not judge, but for Colleen, I was certain she most definitely did not. My whole care team took care of me during my visit, but my nurse, Colleen, stood out the most. She was caring in the way that she listened to my whole journey, asked questions about my family, and made me feel comfort in the future rather than shame in my past.

Pancreatitis is one of the worst pains I’ve ever endured, and quite honestly, I’ve had some nurses in the past who questioned my pain levels and came off in a way where I was playing it up. (I get it, being a “frequent flyer”) Colleen, on the other hand, was very attentive and empathetic to my condition. In this area, nursing is the quickest way to make a good living, meaning some nurses get into the profession for money, which is not the right reason.

I consider myself lucky, and Ballad should as well, because I had the chance to have a nurse as passionate, empathetic, caring, and intelligent as Colleen. She embodies the whole idea that the DAISY Award was created for. She gave me hope to continue to take steps forward in my health and recovery, and forever will I be thankful for meeting this amazing caregiver.