My wife had to have hand surgery to have some pins removed. Surgery is scary, no matter how brave you are, even if you've done it before. I don't think people realize just how significant a nurse’s bedside manner can be.

Carol Lovera was the nurse who helped prepare her and spent a good deal of time just talking to us. It was the way in which she talked to us that truly stood out. Carol engaged us in conversation, asked us about our children, where we were from, and what we had recently watched on Netflix. Carol smiled infectiously, flowing easily from one topic to the next, and while most of what we talked about had nothing to do with the procedure my wife was about to undergo, it had everything to do with it.

The ability to open your heart, smile with genuine interest, and talk to a patient about to undergo a scary procedure has a sedative effect on the mind and the body. Because Carol's body language was easy, relaxed, and carefree, Brenda felt easy, relaxed, and carefree. The implication here is that this surgery is going to be fine, anesthesia is going to be fine, and you'll be up and using your hand again in no time.

Never, in my 43 years of visiting doctors’ offices in countries all over the world,  have I ever witnessed such an incredible command of the bedside manner. She should give instructions to both nurses and doctors on the importance of mindless chitchat and the calming effects on patients, which thereby lead to superior surgical outcomes.

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This is Carole's 2nd DAISY Award!