Newsworthy

Stormont Vail Health is proud to celebrate Jeannine McClellan, a registered nurse (RN) in our Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU), for her DAISY Award!

During a recent procedure, Nurse Jeannine helped a young patient with special needs feel safe and calm. Her simple act of kindness made a lasting impact and is a beautiful example of the heart our nurses bring to every patient interaction.

Jeannine’s Story

Jeannine went above her duties as a nurse for my daughter with special needs. My daughter, Breanna (we call her Bre), is nonverbal and has a very difficult time in hospitals because of a prior surgery that caused her to end up in a life-threatening situation. Since that time, she has been terrified of the hospital, and the only way she can express her feelings is through crying and outbursts.

IV sedation was required for the procedure Bre was having. Normally, this would not go too smoothly, but thanks to Jeannine, it did. At first, Bre was having an outburst, crying and “fighting” with the nurses, but when Jeannine spoke to her in a calm tone, Bre relaxed and became interested in Jeannine’s pink ring.

As IV services entered the room, Jeannine distracted Bre with the ring while her IV was placed. This was such a smooth procedure, and it is owed to Jeannine. Jeannine gave her ring to Bre for future appointments because she said it was far more useful for Bre than it ever would be to her.

I think this was such a wonderful act of kindness. Nurses already give so much of themselves; this is another example of how much they sacrifice for their patients. She has made a lasting impression on our family.