Deena A Brunner
December 2025
Deena A
Brunner
,
RN
2 East
NF/SG VHS Malcom Randall VA Medical Center
Gainesville
,
FL
United States
In a moment that felt like sheer terror, Dee became my advocate, my super nurse, my lifeline.
I am writing from the depths of my heart to nominate Deena – also known as Dee – for the Daisy Award,” wrote a Veteran patient.
"Recently, I underwent a ureteroscopy for a stone removal with stent placement – an invasive and painful procedure – and was transferred to the second floor. At first, everything seemed stable, but when Dee came on shift, I was suddenly overwhelmed by a tsunami of pain that felt like I was in the pits of hell. I truly thought I might not make it out of this hospital alive.
In a moment that felt like sheer terror, Dee became my advocate, my super nurse, my lifeline. She saw me through a sudden wave of overwhelming pain and sprang into action. Dee responded with a level of compassion and professionalism that is simply beyond words.
Within minutes, she activated the Rapid Response Team and called the Urologist. And Dee stayed by my side as if I were her own family. She made sure that the Rapid Response Team had the clearest, most accurate picture of what I was going through surgically and medically – despite having only just met and assessed me within 10 minutes into her shift.
Her quick, critical thinking and heartfelt care brought me out of that terrifying, tormenting experience and made me feel safe again. Dee carefully documented that my blood pressure was in a dangerously high range – truly in the cerebral stroke range – and she made sure the Urology Team and the Rapid Response Team were called immediately. She gave them a clear and accurate picture of what was happening so that all the right interventions could be made to save my life.
In that instant, Dee’s compassion and quick action were life-saving. She saw me not just as a patient but as a human being in desperate need, and she treated me like a beloved family member.
Dee stands for everything wonderful: she’s dedicated, determined, and deeply compassionate. Even though she had other patients, she made me feel like I was the only one, and I know she gives that same care to everyone. Dee’s compassion and professionalism were extraordinary. She treated me like I was her own family member.
Thank you for considering this nomination from the bottom of my heart.”
"Recently, I underwent a ureteroscopy for a stone removal with stent placement – an invasive and painful procedure – and was transferred to the second floor. At first, everything seemed stable, but when Dee came on shift, I was suddenly overwhelmed by a tsunami of pain that felt like I was in the pits of hell. I truly thought I might not make it out of this hospital alive.
In a moment that felt like sheer terror, Dee became my advocate, my super nurse, my lifeline. She saw me through a sudden wave of overwhelming pain and sprang into action. Dee responded with a level of compassion and professionalism that is simply beyond words.
Within minutes, she activated the Rapid Response Team and called the Urologist. And Dee stayed by my side as if I were her own family. She made sure that the Rapid Response Team had the clearest, most accurate picture of what I was going through surgically and medically – despite having only just met and assessed me within 10 minutes into her shift.
Her quick, critical thinking and heartfelt care brought me out of that terrifying, tormenting experience and made me feel safe again. Dee carefully documented that my blood pressure was in a dangerously high range – truly in the cerebral stroke range – and she made sure the Urology Team and the Rapid Response Team were called immediately. She gave them a clear and accurate picture of what was happening so that all the right interventions could be made to save my life.
In that instant, Dee’s compassion and quick action were life-saving. She saw me not just as a patient but as a human being in desperate need, and she treated me like a beloved family member.
Dee stands for everything wonderful: she’s dedicated, determined, and deeply compassionate. Even though she had other patients, she made me feel like I was the only one, and I know she gives that same care to everyone. Dee’s compassion and professionalism were extraordinary. She treated me like I was her own family member.
Thank you for considering this nomination from the bottom of my heart.”