Upbeat, compassionate nurse receives The DAISY Award at Adventist Health Howard Memorial Damon Niesen, RN
Adventist Health Howard Memorial (AHHM) inpatient nurse Damon Niesen, RN was nominated for The DAISY Award by three patients and a nursing colleague for making patients feel comfortable, always having a smile on his face and for being attentive and very helpful to his patients and all those around him.
Each of Damon’s four nominations share similar sentiments – Damon lives out the Adventist Health values in his work each day.
One of Damon’s patients who nominated him spoke about the unique and caring ways Damon took care of them and the extra added touches that made them feel at home with AHHM. “My nurse was attentive and kind and made sure I was always comfortable. He had a good and upbeat attitude and was able to put a smile on my face.” The patient detailed how Damon went above and beyond to show love and comfort, “This nurse even shared Christmas stories and sang carols for me.”
Another patient spoke highly of Damon’s initiative and commitment. “He dives right into whatever the situation may be. Thank you! He never makes you feel your care is not important, like you are too much to care for or take too much of his time. He was always there when my call button showed I needed help, and if he had a spare minute this nurse would peek in the door and say hi to me.”
The third patient who nominated Damon spoke kindly of his ability to put them at ease by explaining the procedure of changing IVs and made them feel comfortable by even sharing person anecdotes. “He was open, friendly and greatly appreciated.”
Damon supports patients and colleagues whenever he sees a way he can help. A nurse outside of Damon’s department shared, “This nurse is a great team player, jumping into help without hesitation. I had a patient that was being discharged home and had to be transported into a truck that was very difficult to climb. Even though we don’t work in the same department, he came to help just in time. Damon was very calm and encouraging, giving the patient advice and ultimately having to lift the patient into the truck. He is a great asset to this organization as well as the rest of the team in the department. Thank you again for the ‘hand up’.”
As a DAISY Award winner, Damon demonstrates that nursing reaches beyond competent medical care – exceptional nursing at AHHM incorporates whole-person care, treating and guiding patients to health.