I am writing to recommend Marcia Whenner, RN, SNC, KP15, for a DAISY Award. Marcia was caring for a 44-year-old patient who was just admitted to the CCU. The patient was admitted to the hospital with cardiomyopathy, and two days later, her care was escalated to the CCU. The patient was scared and anxious. Marcia had just started her shift and began talking with her patient, learning that she was upset because she was scheduled to graduate from nursing school that weekend. Marcia had learned that her patient was earning her BSN from a college in Pennsylvania and had been commuting and putting herself through college while also trying to take care of herself, given her cardiac condition. What should have been the happiest moment, she had worked so hard for, she was now being informed she would need a heart transplant. The patient told Marsha that she was most upset about missing her pinning ceremony, which was supposed to be the occasion for her to deliver the valedictorian address at her graduation.

Upon hearing all this, Marcia wanted to recognize her patient and her accomplishments. During her break, Marcia bought a card at the gift shop and had the entire medical team sign it. Marcia contacted Patient Relations for their assistance, and they were able to get a piece of cake. Marcia knew her patient did not like chocolate and was able to get cheesecake!

That evening, Marcia gathered the KP15 team. As we all entered the room, clapping and congratulating the patient, Marcia delivered a beautiful speech celebrating all the patient's accomplishments and reminding her just how strong she is. Marcia said it is not the same as your pinning ceremony, but presented the patient with a CCU pin that the KP15 staff wear! Marcia told her welcome to the profession you are now part of our team!

Sixteen days later, Marcia’s patient was successfully transplanted!