Dena Gieseke, MSN, RN

I would like to commend Dena Gieseke for the extraordinary compassion, skill, and humanity she brought to my mother's post-hospital care. From the very first moment I spoke with Dena on the phone, she treated my mother not just as a patient, but as a person—someone deserving of patience, dignity, and genuine kindness. She also treated me, as my mother's primary caregiver, the same way.

What stood out most was the way she consistently went beyond what was required. Whether it was taking the time to explain each step of my mother's care, offering comfort and instructions during difficult moments, or noticing small details that made a big difference, she brought a sense of calm and reassurance. Her professionalism was matched only by her warmth.

When my mom was very weak and unable (and unwilling) to go to her much-needed kidney dialysis treatment, Dena provided guidance and support to me and arranged wheelchair transportation to take my mother to her dialysis center. When my mother finally decided to discontinue her kidney dialysis treatments and seek palliative/hospice care, Dena, again, offered professional support and instructed me on how to proceed. Nurses like Dena embody the very heart of nursing. Her dedication made a meaningful impact on me and my family, and I am deeply grateful. She is exactly the kind of nurse the DAISY Award was created to honor.