Connor Griffin, RN

Throughout my dad's stay in the SICU, this nurse has consistently demonstrated what extraordinary nursing care truly looks like. We have been blessed with exceptional nurses during our more than three weeks here, but this nurse has repeatedly gone above and beyond in ways that have made an immeasurable difference for both my dad and our entire family.

From the very beginning, this nurse treated my dad as a person, not just a patient. Even while my dad was deeply sedated, this nurse asked our family if it would be alright to call him “Mr. First name” instead of “Mr. Last name.” We immediately knew how much that simple gesture would have meant to my dad. It wasn't just about a name; it showed that this nurse wanted to know who my dad was and care for him with the same warmth and respect we would. What has impressed me most is the way this nurse communicates. Although my dad has often been heavily medicated or on the ventilator, this nurse never assumes he can't hear or understand.

This nurse explains every medication, dressing change, injection, and intervention before it happens. This nurse also takes time to explain everything to our family so we understand not only what is happening, but why. He never rushes through any aspect of his care. Every interaction is approached with dignity and respect. This nurse's commitment to learning is equally remarkable. Whenever respiratory therapy or another member of the care team enters the room, this nurse often joins them, not because they have to, but because they genuinely want to learn. They ask thoughtful questions and seek to understand every aspect of my dad's care, even when it is outside their own discipline. That curiosity and dedication make this nurse an even stronger advocate for their patients.

One moment that will stay with me forever happened when my dad became particularly anxious while on the ventilator. This nurse leaned over and asked, “Mr. First name, do you like music?” My dad nodded. The nurse then asked about different genres until they learned my dad loved old country music. Without hesitation, this nurse pulled out their own personal phone, opened Spotify, and started playing old country songs. Almost immediately, my dad's feet began tapping to the music, and you could visibly see him relax. When medications couldn't provide comfort, this nurse found another way to reach him. It was one of the most compassionate nursing acts I've ever witnessed.

Another experience showed me the kind of person this nurse is beyond their clinical skills. Another patient in the SICU frequently called out for help throughout the day. It was understandable for anyone to get frustrated, yet this nurse showed nothing but patience and kindness. A few days later, I even heard “Islands in the Stream” playing from that patient's room, and I couldn't help but smile, knowing this nurse had likely found another way to comfort someone in distress through music. When that patient was eventually transferred out of the ICU, one of my family members jokingly commented, “I bet you're glad he's not your patient anymore.”

I'll never forget this nurse's response: “It's exciting to see every patient moved off our floor because it means they're getting better.” That simple statement perfectly captures this nurse's heart. They measure success not by having an easier assignment, but by their patients' recovery. This nurse also takes incredible pride in preserving my dad's dignity. My dad has multiple drains that leak regularly, yet this nurse is constantly ensuring he is clean, fresh, comfortable, and well cared for. They pay attention to the smallest details of my dad's appearance and comfort, never allowing him to feel anything less than cared for with the utmost respect.

As someone who works at UMMC, I know firsthand the great care we provide. Throughout this hospitalization, we have experienced exceptional nursing from many outstanding caregivers. This nurse, however, has consistently distinguished themselves through their compassion, curiosity, professionalism, and genuine love for caring for people. This nurse treats every patient with dignity, every family with kindness, and every interaction as an opportunity to make someone's hardest days a little easier. This nurse embodies everything the DAISY Award represents. While we will forever be grateful for the excellent care my dad has received from the entire team, this nurse has left a lasting impression on our family. We will always remember not only the outstanding nurse they are, but the extraordinary human being they choose to be every single day.