A Fantastic, Compassionate Nurse

I would like to nominate Jena Shaw, a nurse on Cardiology, for the DAISY Award for the extraordinary compassion that she showed one of our patients during one of the most vulnerable moments of this patient's life. Jena had cared for this patient all weekend. On Tuesday, when Jena returned to work, she was not assigned to care for this patient. So, Jena made multiple efforts throughout the day to stop and visit this patient, knowing he had made the difficult decision to transition to comfort care earlier. At the end of the day, Jena recognized that his family had not yet arrived. Due to the snowy conditions, it would be some time before his family would be able to make the lengthy drive from Fennville. Rather than allowing him to pass alone, Jena made the selfless decision to remain at his bedside, sitting with him, speaking to him, and offering comfort and dignity in his final moments. Jena stayed until midnight that night, almost five hours after her shift. Family arrived and this patient peacefully passed after 1 a.m. Jena's presence provided peace and reassurance to a patient who could no longer advocate for himself. She treated him not just as a patient, but as person who deserved compassion, respect and human connection at the end of life. This act of kindness went far beyond routine nursing care. It exemplifies the true spirit of nursing-advocacy, empathy and unwavering dedication to patients and their families. Her actions left a lasting impact and are powerful reminders of how nurses make a difference not only through clinical skill, but through humanity and heart.

-Anonymous, Coworker

Jenna S was a fantastic nurse. As a nurse myself, it is hard to keep a clear mind with family members and decision-making in critical situations. Jenna was calm and responsive to my family members while I was working and making medical decisions for my father. Jenna kept my family updated through a respiratory emergency and stayed in the room until the problem was resolved. It is great to see such a caring and compassionate nurse, providing the same care standards that I myself deliver to patients. Jenna treated my family as if she would treat her own. What a fantastic person to be a part of the cardiology team. Thank you!

-Anonymous, Coworker