DAISY Award—Jose Castro

Jose Castro
CTICU

Reason for Recognition: There were many excellent nurses in the Cardio ICU but Jose (on the night shift) went above and beyond. I think it was my first night out of surgery and I had the first ever in my life panic attack. Jose was beyond patient, kind, soothing and compassionate. Words can't describe how I felt, nor can I explain how Jose's compassion was exactly what I needed to help 'talk me down from the ledge'. He spoke with such compassion and tender-heartedness; I felt like he was a trusted friend. It didn't feel like he was there doing his job but felt like he truly cared about me as a person. Even after the panic attack incident, he continued to treat me with compassion - as if I was a friend he cared about. I enjoyed hearing him talk about his interests - it helped me feel like a real person, not the swollen blob laying there in a hospital bed. I didn't sleep much, so I know I kept him busy (sorry, Jose!) but he never once showed any lack of patience with me. Jose's compassion started me on a healing journey that was more than just physical. Thank you, Jose! If i had the money, I would buy the new car you were going to pick up the day after I left ICU. Jose is a sweetheart (and that's from someone old enough to be his mom!)