John is a night nurse I met when I arrived to the ARU after having my left leg amputated. I went to ICU for about 5 days, then proceeded to the ARU to learn how to live and manage my life without a leg. John is very nice and has a great demeanor; I can tell he enjoys his job and cares about his patients. He deserves to be recognized for all his hard work. I’ve never felt more comfortable in a hospital than I do now. He never had a problem helping me to the bathroom or getting my pain meds when I really needed them. He leant me his ear when I needed it the most; and honestly, it feels so good to talk about what’s going on emotionally and mentally after the surgery. Having my leg amputated was devastating for me. He gave me advice when I needed it, and having him around to talk to at night when the depression and loneliness hit the worst makes a difference. Because I’m in a wheelchair, he’d get the coffee cups and lids down for me from the cabinet; and the half and half from the fridge for me because it was down in the bottom pull-out drawers. I never asked him to do that for me; he just did it. All I did was mention getting a cup of coffee; and when I got to the small dining area in ARU there it was, the supplies to make my coffee.

I mentioned to John about nominating him for the DAISY Award and he just smiled. He’s apparently never been nominated. He deserves to be recognized for his hard work, professionalism, and commitment to making his patients comfortable with his friendly demeanor during their stay. Thank you for not only listening to me, but also giving me advice when I needed it the most.