Shannon was my nurse in PACU after I had unexpected surgery. He was a calming presence in an otherwise chaotic day. I remember waking up after surgery in a lot of pain, Shannon was there with a calm voice and a calm presence. I felt safe, I felt heard, and I felt taken care of.

I have had a few surgeries over the last year and a half, and this was hands down the best experience. The entire team was phenomenal, but Shannon stood out. I'm not sure if I was his only patient, but he made me feel like I was. He took the time to listen to me, to help me feel comfortable, and prepared me for the transition of going home after surgery.

 I told my husband afterward that it felt like I had a guardian angel talking to me, when in reality it was Shannon, who, with his calming presence, was, in a sense, my guardian angel nurse. I feel that Shannon deserves a DAISY Award for his compassion for his patients during their time at St. Cloud Hospital; for his clinical excellence in managing their care and providing calm amid the chaos; and for how he truly embodies CentraCare's purpose.