October DAISY Award Honoree: Valerie Priest, RN
Please join us in congratulating Valerie Priest, RN, in the Pre-Anesthesia Surgical Services (PASS) department on being recognized with October’s DAISY Award!
“I had shoulder pain that was affecting every aspect of my life, but most importantly my sleep. For about half a year I tried every possible option, including physical therapy, steroid injections, creams, TENS unit, ice and then a PRP injection. When my pain was not resolved I had an MRI of my shoulder. It revealed that my injury was much more significant than expected. I finally decided to commit to surgery. It was not an easy choice. It would require at least 3 months off work and up to 9 months for a full recovery. I already knew Valerie and shared with her my decision to have surgical repair of my shoulder. She was immediately supportive. Whenever she saw me, she would share words of encouragement. It helped me tremendously to get settled into my upcoming surgery. The smile on her face and true concern helped me accept my choice. She shared small details that further put me into a good place. She even offered to be my admitting nurse on the day of my surgery. On the day of my surgery, I had registered, and I reached out to her to let her know that I had arrived. She came to me with a big smile on her face as though to say everything is going to be GREAT! Valerie was very professional and encouraging throughout the process.
In every step of my admission, she explained what she was doing and what would happen next. When appropriate she gave me options on the sequence of what I wanted to do next. She was so supportive of my needs. She is an exceptional nurse. I happen to know her, but I have also witnessed her taking the same approach with her patients who she is meeting for the first time. Her dedication to her patients and nursing has always been above and beyond. I want her to know that I respect her as a nurse and that she is well deserving of this honor. She is an example for all health care workers.”