I have been a nurse for 27 years and have worked at the bedside for many years, and then transitioned into leadership. As a nurse providing bedside care, I was able to maintain a calming presence for my patients when they were frightened and scared. This ability took years to learn and was something I was very proud of. However, when it comes to our families, being on the other side of the bed often our perspectives and ability to remain calm changes.

A few months ago, my 20-year-old daughter developed cold-like symptoms. I took her right away to the urgent care, and she was diagnosed with the Flu A. That evening, she developed a fever, and as a prudent nurse, I medicated and alternated treating her with Tylenol and Motrin. As the night wore on, despite all efforts to decrease her temperature, nothing seemed to work. Around 8 pm, I noticed that my daughter was acting confused and was shaking. I retook her temperature and she had a 104 temperature. I had exhausted all treatment options as she had already had Tylenol and Motrin, so I put her in a cold shower. She was crying and uncomfortable, but I didn’t know what else to do, and I was starting to panic. The shower did not work either, and when I retook her temperature, she was 104.7. At this point, full-blown panic was setting in. I got her dressed out her in the car and rushed to my hospital Garnet Health Medical Center.

We arrived, and the ED waiting room was full. M was lethargic, so she needed a wheelchair. We were triaged right away, but due to the ED being full, we had to wait to be pulled into the main ED. I remember thinking, “What if my daughter isn’t okay? What if she seizes in this waiting room? Who can help me?” It was then that we were called back to the Children's Ed, and we met our angel.

Dalia Reyes entered the room. From the second she entered the room, I felt the warmth, compassion, and competence that she exhibited. She spoke softly to both of us while explaining what she was doing and why. She listened to what we were telling her and reassured us both that she was going to take care of us. She included me. I know that sounds silly because I wasn’t sick, but without me telling her, she knew how nervous and afraid I was, and I was forever grateful because I did not want my daughter to know that. I was supposed to be the calm mother and nurse to my baby and Dalia allowed me to appear that way for my daughter though I did not feel that way.

Dalia hung fluids for my daughter, administered IV Tylenol, and with every action or word reassured us both. She talked about other things to distract both of us and even at one point made M laugh (I wish I could remember what she said, but I had mama brain). Dalia made us both feel as though we were the only people in the Children’s ED and that we were her priority. I remember thinking, “Why don’t I know this nurse (as I work at Garnet)? It's obvious she’s been here for years."

M got better, and we were able to go home a few hours later. Dalia read us our discharge instructions, and we both thanked her for the care she provided and the emotional support she gave during this time.

I reached out to the Administrator of the ED that Monday to compliment her team and especially recognize Dalia. It was at this time that I learned that Dalia was a novice nurse! I could not believe my ears when I was told she had been a nurse for less than a year. For a novice nurse to have the ability to reassure, calm, and empathize the way Dalia did is astounding. I have worked with nurses who took years to learn these traits, and some never did learn. Dalia was a complete stranger and an angel to both of us, and has made a lasting impression. I am proud to say my daughter is in nursing school, and her goal now is to become an ED nurse.

Thank you, Dalia, for your kindness, empathy, and caring.