December 4, 2024
Honoring Extraordinary Compassion: Michael Calvan Earns DAISY Award
(SACRAMENTO) 
Michael Calvan, BSN, RN, from East 6 Cardiothoracic PCU was honored with a DAISY Award for the kindness, compassion, and exceptional care he provided to a patient and his family.
The DAISY Award is part of The DAISY Foundation, an international program dedicated to recognizing nursing excellence. Established by the Barnes family in memory of their son, Patrick, the award honors the exceptional, compassionate care Patrick received from nurses during his eight-week hospitalization. To express their gratitude, the family created the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses, celebrating the remarkable and often unsung work nurses perform every day at the bedside.
From Michael’s nomination:
"My father chose to come to UC Davis with complications from a diagnosis he hoped could be managed and resolved. He was 91 years old and was not quite ready to retire from this life. Unfortunately, he was too ill to combat without suffering, he was placed on inpatient hospice and passed away peacefully.
Many conversations and interactions with so many wonderful staff took place during these days. One nurse in particular stood out to our father and family. Michael cared for our father during the day shift, listening to his stories, about his life and his family. Michael would often relay these conversations to our family, asking questions, genuinely listening and asking questions about him, treating him like family. In the midst of all these interactions, Michael was also caring for a deteriorating 91-year-old man; honoring his struggles on what care should look like as he became more critical.
As a nurse I know how difficult it can be to watch our patients struggle and suffer in these moments; but Michael was so kind, patient, and supportive of our father who needed time to process what was happening. Ultimately, our father was agreeable to transition to in patient Hospice at UC Davis. Miachel always ended his shift leaning over our father's bed, speaking closely into his ear, praying for peace and comfort. When Michael did this at the end of his shift, our father turned to Michael, mumbled something we couldn't understand. We removed his face mask; he looked again right at Michael and said, "I'll see you in Heaven.”
Those were the last words our father spoke. We honestly can't think of a more worthy soul to have been the recipient of his last words. Michael is a wonderful nurse, with the heart of an angel. We were privileged to have him be one of the many wonderful caregivers during this time. I have no doubt our father sometime in the far-off future will be there to welcome and thank Michael for his loving kindness."
