It is obvious that Danielle spends her days as a nurse fulfilling a calling, not just doing a job. My mother-in-law has been a patient for the last several days, and Danielle walked through two of her most difficult days with such compassion and gentleness while providing exceptional care. My mother-in-law was diagnosed with stage 4 renal cell carcinoma that has metastasized everywhere just one month ago during her initial hospitalization. Additionally, she has advanced dementia, which causes tremendous agitation.

Her agitation and anxiety have increased since the cancer diagnosis, and it was in full gear during the days that Danielle was assigned to her. She was experiencing an emotional crisis, including paranoia. She was accusing Danielle of typing everything she was saying and refused her meds because she thought she was poisoning her. While Danielle could have easily been frustrated with her, she was so kind and reassuring and met my mother-in-law in the trenches of her emotions. She gained her trust and went out of her way to support her.

It was two days of intractable pain, countless pain episodes that turned into full blown emotional outbursts and high agitation moments. Danielle must have been called in every hour of her long shifts, and each time she came in, she smiled, spoke with such gentleness and a soothing voice, and reassured her that she would help her through. She comforted her, advocated for her, and figured out when humor would reach her versus genuine concern. On the second day, my mother-in-law was sent for her first radiation treatment. Danielle decided to be proactive with meds to help with anxiety, yet we got down to the Cancer Center, and she had a total mental breakdown.

Danielle was called down. She came with another medication, her soothing voice, and her gentle touch, and reassured her that it would be ok. It gave my mother-in-law the strength to go through the treatment. She was the earth angel that she needed during these difficult days. She can be extremely difficult to handle. Downright mean, at times. Danielle broke through those hard times with understanding, grace, and compassion. Our family could not be more grateful for the care that Danielle provided.

I’m sure she felt exasperated and exhausted throughout her long shifts, but she never showed it. She smiled, reassured her, and hugged her when she needed it most. She deserves the highest praise for her kindness, compassion, and empathic nursing care. The Elliot is fortunate to have her, and our family is beyond grateful.