Newsworthy

Nurses go above and beyond daily to provide patients and families with excellent care. For Melissa Swanson, BSN, RN, at the Stormont Vail Hospital Emergency Department in Topeka, going beyond expectations means taking time to support, comfort, and ease the anxiety of the patients and families she cares for. For this reason, we celebrate Melissa for receiving the DAISY Award!

The DAISY Award celebrates and recognizes nurses who go the extra mile as a way to thank them for the care and compassion they provide. Melissa, who has provided patient care at Stormont Vail since 2022, received a nomination from her patient, expressing what an “outstanding nurse and person” she is.

“Any patient who has Melissa as their nurse is lucky,” the patient wrote in Melissa’s nomination. “My encounter with Melissa was brief, but it’s clear that she’s committed to her patients’ comfort and well-being. She’s an outstanding nurse and person. Any patient who has Melissa as their nurse is lucky.”

Melissa, congratulations on winning the DAISY Award! Your remarkable ability to convey confidence and support through a simple look or touch is exceptional. You have a unique talent for serving as a source of strength for patients during challenging times. We’re grateful to have you on our team

Read Melissa’s DAISY Spotlight

It would be an understatement to say this particular Monday is a day I will never forget (or stop wishing it never happened). I was going about my day, and a strange feeling took over. I knew something terrible was wrong and ended up in a critical situation in the ER. I was scared and pretty sure this was curtains for me as a swarm of caregivers hurried me back to the room and went to work.

Despite the chaos and high-pressure environment, Melissa immediately connected with me and was so kind. I didn’t have to say a word; she just knew I was scared. Her big, gentle, kind eyes locked into mine, and the message was very clear: “You are going to be okay. We do this every day. We got you.” A lot went on in a very short time, and she was there the entire time, holding my hand, offering a gentle pat on my arm, and relaying the message, “We got you.”

Melissa was also very aware of the anxiety that my family was experiencing as we were all walking through the unknown. Her ability to connect with them and provide reassurance, support, and comfort during this incredibly stressful time was remarkable. Her compassion helped alleviate their anxiety and immediately form a bond of trust, which isn’t always easy.

My encounter with Melissa was brief, but it’s clear that she’s committed to her patients’ comfort and well-being. She’s an outstanding nurse and person. Any patient who has Melissa as their nurse is lucky. I wholeheartedly recommend this nurse for a DAISY Award. In a world where people are not recognized for their efforts often enough, this would testify to the remarkable care this nurse and the entire ER team provided to save my life. Thank you for your consideration!