Justin Nelson-Cannon, LVN

I would like to recognize this nurse for the compassion and professionalism he showed me during one of the most difficult and vulnerable moments I've experienced as a patient. Although our interaction was short, it was meaningful.

As a fellow nurse, I am much more accustomed to providing care than to receiving it. Finding myself on the other side of the bedrail - in significant pain, frightened, and unsure of what was happening - was an incredibly vulnerable and stressful experience. In that moment, his compassion and reassurance made all the difference.

He was kind, patient, and never rushed our conversations. He took the time to kneel down to my eye level, truly listened to what I was saying, and offered reassurance when I needed it most. His calm demeanor and genuine empathy helped me feel heard, respected, and cared for during an incredibly stressful experience.

His compassion made a lasting impact on me. I will remember the way he treated me long after my visit, and I am grateful for the comfort and dignity he provided during one of the most uncomfortable and upsetting experiences I've been through. He is truly deserving of recognition through the DAISY Award.

If I could tell him one thing, it would be this: Please never lose your kindness. Nursing has a way of hardening even the best of us, but your compassion is a gift to your patients and to our profession. Don't let the challenges of healthcare take away the heart that led you to become a nurse. Patients need nurses like you more than you'll ever know.