Being a patient can be hard, but being a nurse who is now a patient is much harder. I visited the ED one evening for violent tremors in my legs. Not only did Walker make me as comfortable as possible, but he also completed his tasks around the tremors knowing I couldn't control them, like putting in my IV.

Walker spent time talking to me about these episodes (when did they start, had I done anything different, etc.) trying to gather information while settling me on the stretcher. After some time with the doctor and trying to figure out what was going on I was told it was recommended for me to be admitted, and I was diagnosed with serotonin syndrome. Walker spent a good length of time reiterating to me and my mom about what was going to happen and medications that were going to help with the tremors, which I learned were actually focal seizures.

Being a nurse, you feel like you know so much information regarding different diagnosis, but when it comes to you as the patient, I feel you forget it all. Knowing Walker was able to spend time talking through it all with me meant so much, also because I was forgetting at lot at that time due to the medication. Given the census on med surg I had to boarder in the ED. Walker didn't hesitate to get me into a private room, an actual hospital bed to sleep and anything I may need to try and get comfortable to sleep. Also knowing I didn't want to be there alone, he got a stretcher for my spouse to stay the night with me.

When I interact with patients experiencing their most vulnerable or frightening moments, I hope I embody at least half the nurse you are! Thank you for getting me through one of the scariest days I've experienced.

***

I am nominating Walker for the DAISY Award because he showed my daughter a level of kindness and compassion that we will never forget. My daughter was in the middle of a mental health crisis and was overwhelmed with emotions. She was scared, vulnerable, and worried that others would judge her. Sadly, she’s been turned away from hospitals before, not taken seriously, and even spoken about negatively by people who were supposed to help her. That kind of treatment leaves scars. But Walker was different.

From the moment Walker entered the room, he treated her with gentleness and respect. He didn’t rush her or talk down to her. He listened. He cared. He truly saw her. His calm voice and understanding made her feel safe in a situation that had always felt unsafe before. He had empathy in every word and action. He took the time to connect with her, to reassure her that she mattered, and to make sure she got the help she so desperately needed. His kindness broke through the walls she had built to protect herself. In our rural community, where access to mental health care is limited and stigma can be strong, his compassion meant everything. He gave my daughter hope again and as a parent, there are no words to describe how much that means.

Walker changed how my daughter views healthcare. He reminded her, and all of us, that there are still people who care deeply and do this work for the right reasons. He saw her as a person and not just a diagnosis. We are forever grateful for his heart, his patience, and his humanity.