I nominate the Intensive Care Unit at Westmoreland Hospital for the DAISY Team Award for their contributions to my father's care that ultimately saved his life. My dad is my person. He is the first person in my contact list in my cell phone, the first person I call when my 'check engine' light comes on in my care, when I need advice on parenting my children, how to file my tax return, or how to make homemade gravy (his is the best). In my lifetime, I have never seen my dad sick, injured, or hospitalized. Beginning in December of 2017, my father began experiencing shortness of breath and chest pain, which was discovered to be a pneumothorax, and the beginning of a life-altering experience for him and my family. Following a VATS procedure, my father struggles to recover and improve. His oxygen needs continued to increase, and he subsequently developed a PE. He was transferred to the ICU. His nurses worked efficiently, collaboratively, and expertly with the intensivists and interprofessional care team members while providing extensive critical care to my dad. The care provided included intubation, angio for thrombolytic infusion, multiple IV drips, chest tube insertion, and arterial lines. My family faced the grim reality that we may lose my dad. The night nurse managing my dad's care allowed us to be at his bedside as much as possible, giving us any updates and working hours past the end of her shift to care for my dad.

The team at this hospital's ICU embodies the mission, vision, and values that the organization strives to provide to every patient, every time. Each care team member demonstrating the values of compassion, accountability, respect, and excellence supported the miraculous outcome of my dad's story. My family is eternally grateful to the ICU care team and their steadfast devotion to optimal patient care and outcomes. You are second to none!