This nomination has been a long time coming. A was diagnosed with T-cell leukemia, and during this whole treatment, we have met so many amazing nurses, but one nurse in particular stands out. Missy has made this experience for A a million times better because of her technical skill as well as her connection with her patients. A has a prankster personality, and once he began to feel better from treatment, his very first prank on Missy was hiding fake bugs in her supply basket just to watch her scream. Missy’s response was lining his bed with whoopee cushions for his next visit. Since that early interaction, there have been more pranks and laughs.

Missy’s impact on A goes much further than just fun. She has become his person at the hospital. A has had a pretty eventful time going through chemo, but through the ups and downs, Missy is always there, making sure he is comfortable and happy. When she was out on maternity leave, A was filled with so much anxiety. He loves the other nurses, but none has ever made him as comfortable as Missy. The day she returned, he happened to have an appointment, and on the way back home, he said, “Yeah, I'm so happy she is back!”

At one point, he said he was thankful for cancer because it allowed him to meet so many new friends, just like Missy. While I wouldn’t go as far as saying I'm thankful for the cancer, as a mom, I am so grateful knowing that he is cared for so well and he doesn’t even see it as a bad thing. A saw a sign for the DAISY Award and asked about it. Once I explained what it was, he said, “We definitely need to get Missy one of those, and I couldn’t agree more!!

This is Melissa's second DAISY Award!