Riley Buckett
February 2025
Riley
Buckett
,
RN
CVICU
Aurora St. Luke's Medical Center
Milwaukee
,
WI
United States
The department is lucky to have Riley, and she deserves not just a DAISY Award but an entire garden.
Our family recently spent time at St. Luke’s following my husband’s surgery. Surgery day was overwhelming—walking into his room with no preparation for what we’d see was emotionally draining, and we left the hospital that night feeling unsure and disheartened. Then, we met our nurse, Riley. From the moment she walked into the room, everything changed. Her warmth, confidence, and expertise were immediately reassuring. She told him, with honesty and a smile, that the day would be tough, but she would help him through it—and she did. She was his daytime nurse, and her care went beyond medical skill. She was patient and thorough and always took the time to explain what she was doing and why. She welcomed our many questions and never made us feel like a burden. Knowing we were staying in the room all day, she made sure we felt included, comfortable, and informed. When my husband's heart rate remained high over the weekend and seeing a doctor felt impossible, she went the extra mile to advocate for him, making sure he got the attention he needed. We’ve been through many years of heart issues, and we’ve met countless nurses along the way—She stands out as the very best. She embodies what patient care should be. The department is lucky to have Riley, and she deserves not just a DAISY Award but an entire garden. Thank you for being the bright spot in a difficult time.