William Smith
July 2025
William
Smith
,
RN
PACU
Temecula Valley Hospital
Temecula
,
CA
United States

 

 

 

Thanks to his calm and reassuring demeanor, my anxiety leading up to the procedure quickly disappeared.
I am writing to formally recognize an outstanding nurse named Will, who cared for me during my time in the pre-operative area for knee surgery. From the very first interaction, Will’s professionalism, compassion, and attention to detail immediately put me at ease during what had been a very nerve-wracking time. He thoroughly explained each step of the process, answered every question I had, and demonstrated a level of empathy and care that went far above and beyond expectations. Thanks to his calm and reassuring demeanor, my anxiety leading up to the procedure quickly disappeared. What stood out just as much was how thoughtful and attentive he was to my family. He made a special effort to ensure they were kept informed throughout the process and even asked for permission so I could see my two sons and my wife before surgery. He offered snacks and water, and brought blankets not only for me, but also for my family to keep us all comfortable during our time there. During the six hours I spent in pre-op, Will continued to check on me regularly, made sure I was warm and comfortable, and treated me with the utmost respect. I also observed him interacting with other patients—one of whom was being particularly difficult—and Will handled the situation with incredible patience, grace, and compassion. He even took the time to sit down and have a warm, personal conversation with another patient and their significant other. His ability to make people feel seen and heard is truly a gift. Not once did I see Will idle or disengaged. While others may have passed time behind a desk, Will was constantly on the move, assisting not only his patients but also his fellow nurses. He epitomizes what it means to be a team player and a caregiver. Temecula Valley Hospital is incredibly fortunate to have someone like Will on staff. It is rare to encounter someone who goes so far beyond the expected, and I wholeheartedly believe he is a perfect candidate for the DAISY Award. Thank you for taking the time to read this nomination. I truly hope Will receives the recognition he so greatly deserves.