I would like to nominate Nurse William Browne for the DAISY Award for his exceptional compassion, respect, and dedication to both his patients and their families. My father-in-law has been battling brain cancer and spent time under Nurse Browne’s care in the Neurosurgery Intensive Care Unit. During that time, our family never once worried if he was being properly cared for, as we knew he was in excellent hands with Nurse Browne.
Despite coming from a different race, culture, and religion, Nurse Browne showed remarkable sensitivity and respect for our family’s beliefs. He went out of his way to set up YouTube on the room computer so that we could listen to our religious prayers, and each time he entered, he would kindly ask if he could speak or if we preferred to pause the prayers. His thoughtfulness and respectfulness was sincerely appreciated.
Two particular moments truly stood out and captured the kind of nurse he is. The first was when he was checking my father-in-law’s hourly blood sugar. Even though my father-in-law was unable to respond, Nurse Browne always spoke directly to him, treating him as the person he is, not just an unalert body. Before pricking his finger, he asked, “How do you say ‘I’m sorry’ in your language?” Such a small gesture, yet so incredibly meaningful.
The second moment was when my father-in-law began to pull at his urinary catheter. Nurse Browne immediately noticed his abnormal heart rate/blood pressure and rushed in to help, but before continuing, he told us ladies in the room, to step out so he could maintain my father-in-law’s dignity and modesty. This act showed his attentiveness, respect, and professionalism.
Beyond these key moments, Nurse Browne was consistently attentive, approachable, and patient with every question we had. Even after nine weeks of being in the hospital and dozens of nurses (and counting), our family still jokes about bringing “Nurse Browne” with us wherever our father-in-law is transferred. His compassion and care went above and beyond anything we expected and experienced anywhere else in the hospital. He truly made one of the hardest experiences in our lives a little more bearable through his kindness.
We are truly grateful for Nurse Browne and the incredible level of humanity he brings to his work. Our family hopes he is recognized with a DAISY Award for his hard work, and even more so that he knows his patients and their families appreciate him.