RN Reed was the best! I had a spine fusion and it took a few days to get my pain under control. Reed was my "nighttime" nurse for two nights in a row. He was with me during the darkest nights of my life. He was gentle, patient, and so thoughtful.

Around 2:00 am on his first night, he checked in on me and noticed that I was having a really rough night. He pulled up a chair and spent an hour or so with me, just talking to me and helping me feel heard and cared for. He went above and beyond to help me get through the night. He shared his personal health challenges with me, and we cried together.

He had to leave a couple of times to care for other patients, but he was quick to come back and spend more time with me. I have never felt so close to an absolute stranger. He probably spent 2-3 hours altogether, spending time with me. He was so genuine, and his wonderful smile will never be forgotten.

To this day, I think about Reed and how he treated me so kindly. He went way above and beyond to care for me. Anyone who is lucky enough to have him as their nurse will be changed forever.

On my second night with Reed as my nurse, he continued his kindness and made sure I was comfortable and taken care of. Luckily, my pain was under control, and I was able to sleep much better. However, he still checked in with me multiple times to make sure that I was still happy.

RN Reed taught me what compassion is in real time. Reed is struggling with a lot of his own health issues, yet he put my care above his own. My comfort was more important to him than his own. You can't fake the genuine concern he had for me.

If all nurses were like him, this world would be a better place. I am forever changed by what he demonstrated. I will be a little kinder to those around me, even when I am not feeling well myself. He showed me what Christlike love truly is. I am a better person because of how Reed treated me.

I can't think of a more deserving person in the world to receive the DAISY award.