My parent was admitted for an unexpected gallbladder removal and sepsis, which resulted in my parent being admitted to the ICU and intubated overnight. My parent's vital signs were unstable, and the medication being used to keep my parent's sedated was causing blood pressure drops. My sibling and I were not sure our parent would survive the night.

Emily was our ICU nurse for that night shift. I wholeheartedly believe that Emily is the reason our parent made it! She was constantly on the phone with the Nurse Practitioner on the Rock Island campus. Emily continuously and diligently worked her magic all through the night to find the right balance of blood pressure medication and sedation to keep my parent alive. She prioritized our parent and was in the room all night to get our loved one through it. My parent stayed in the ICU for a week, and during that stay, Emily went above and beyond. She was consistent, timely, and proactive with her care. She maintained a positive attitude when others were uncertain. We never had to wait for an alarm to be turned off, for meds to be refilled, or for any general comfort needs to be addressed. Her level of care is literally saving lives. Emily was the ‘DAISY’ during a very difficult time for our family, and every patient deserves an Emily.