There are times when a family member needs just as much care as a patient. Pam found herself in this position while caring for a critically injured patient and his grieving wife. "I had the privilege to work with Pam in managing an organ donor in CCU," writes a fellow employee who nominated Pam.
"Not only does Pam have the clinical expertise to manage these challenging situations, but she demonstrated true and outstanding compassion and empathy for this patient's family members who were struggling with this tragic situation," says the employee. Pam took the time to talk with this patient's wife. She knew that at that moment and for the next 30 minutes of the conversation, being with this wife was her priority. "Pam never once lost the important aspect of nursing on this day," continues the employee. "After we were done talking with the patient's wife, she came out and said to us, 'Thank you. For the first time since all of this happened, I feel a sense of peace. Thank you for taking the time to talk with me.'"
Pam was truly surprised at the award ceremony as she knew there would be a DAISY ceremony but thought the award was going to be given to a different nurse. "I'm so very honored to get this award," says Pam. "It's easy to do this type of work when you work with such great people."