DAIS Y Award Winners

Jonathan Whitelam, R.N., Intensive Care Unit, Mullica Hill

“My father and I would like to thank Jonathan from the ICU. My father was placed in the ICU due to a GI bleed. It was a very touch and go situation since he is 88 years old and a dialysis patient with AFIB who had just had a stroke a few weeks before. All the nurses and doctors in the ICU were wonderful, but my dad really bonded with Jonathan. His very calm demeanor made him feel confident that he was safe. He was very reassuring and patient with both of us. I was able to relax when I knew he was taking care of my dad. He worked the night shift, so I was able to go home and actually sleep peacefully. My father’s condition was embarrassing to him, but Jonathan treated him like it was no big deal. He treated him with respect and helped preserve my dad’s dignity by treating him like a man. My dad called him “his buddy”. Nothing was ever too much trouble for Jonathan. He spent time explaining things to me so I could understand what was going on and when he said he was going to do something he did it and we came to really trust him. I thank him for his patience, calmness, empathy, diligence, and skill. He is one amazing nurse.” – Patient’s Family Member

Desiree Wean, R.N.,

Emergency Department, Elmer

“I came into the Elmer emergency room with severe difficulty breathing. An emergency department can seem very impersonal and daunting, especially when one is struggling with a health issue like this. Now, due to ongoing health issues, I have had to go the emergency room more times than most and the emergency staff is always efficient and pleasant enough, but when one is anxious or scared that efficient manner can seem very impersonal. Nurse Desiree was on duty and from the beginning she had a way that made me feel like I was the only patient she had to attend to, which of course was not the case. She went out of her way to explain everything that was being done and she did little extra things like making sure I had enough blankets, water, and even something to eat as I had not eaten that day. Now I know the ER nurses all do those little things, but it was her friendly and funny way of being available. I feel like she was a friend and not just a nurse doing her duty. Her infectious good nature was so comforting.” - Patient