Gracie Ruben
March 2026
Gracie
Ruben
,
RN
3 North
Baptist Memorial Hospital - Collierville
Collierville
,
TN
United States
That level of kindness extended beyond routine nursing duties and meant so much to both of us during a stressful time.
I would like to recognize Gracie Ruben for the extraordinary compassion and thoughtful care she provided during my hospital stay. I am a 54-year-old male who underwent a uvulopalatopharyngoplasty and glossal stiffening surgery. I have rarely been sick or hospitalized, and facing a surgery involving the airway was both frightening and overwhelming.
From the moment Gracie took care of me on the day shift at admission, she helped ease that fear through her calm presence, clear explanations, and genuine concern for my comfort. This surgery is known to be extremely painful, and Gracie made pain control a priority from the start. She acted quickly to obtain my pain medications from the pharmacy and consistently checked on my comfort level.
Her responsiveness and attentiveness made a significant difference in my recovery experience. What truly set Gracie apart was her compassion—not only for me, but also for my wife. She made sure my wife felt supported and cared for throughout my stay, regularly checking in to see if she needed anything. That level of kindness extended beyond routine nursing duties and meant so much to both of us during a stressful time.
On the day of discharge, Gracie once again went above and beyond. Knowing the discomfort I would face traveling home and picking up my discharge medications, she thoughtfully administered lidocaine viscous just before we left so my oral pain would remain controlled until I could get home. This act of anticipating my needs showed exceptional clinical judgment and heartfelt empathy. Because of her foresight, I was able to get home with minimal pain.
Although we were happy to be discharged, we were genuinely sad to leave Gracie. She had become like a new friend to both my wife and me. Her compassionate, proactive, and patient-centered care turned a frightening and painful experience into one where we felt safe, supported, and truly cared for. Gracie Ruben exemplifies the spirit of the DAISY Award through her kindness, professionalism, and dedication to her patients. I am deeply grateful for the care she provided and believe she truly deserves this recognition.
From the moment Gracie took care of me on the day shift at admission, she helped ease that fear through her calm presence, clear explanations, and genuine concern for my comfort. This surgery is known to be extremely painful, and Gracie made pain control a priority from the start. She acted quickly to obtain my pain medications from the pharmacy and consistently checked on my comfort level.
Her responsiveness and attentiveness made a significant difference in my recovery experience. What truly set Gracie apart was her compassion—not only for me, but also for my wife. She made sure my wife felt supported and cared for throughout my stay, regularly checking in to see if she needed anything. That level of kindness extended beyond routine nursing duties and meant so much to both of us during a stressful time.
On the day of discharge, Gracie once again went above and beyond. Knowing the discomfort I would face traveling home and picking up my discharge medications, she thoughtfully administered lidocaine viscous just before we left so my oral pain would remain controlled until I could get home. This act of anticipating my needs showed exceptional clinical judgment and heartfelt empathy. Because of her foresight, I was able to get home with minimal pain.
Although we were happy to be discharged, we were genuinely sad to leave Gracie. She had become like a new friend to both my wife and me. Her compassionate, proactive, and patient-centered care turned a frightening and painful experience into one where we felt safe, supported, and truly cared for. Gracie Ruben exemplifies the spirit of the DAISY Award through her kindness, professionalism, and dedication to her patients. I am deeply grateful for the care she provided and believe she truly deserves this recognition.