DAISY Award—Cindy Nguyen, BSN, RN, PHN

Cindy Nguyen, BSN, RN, PHN
Tower 3 Women's Pavilion

I wanted to thank all of my nurses at UC Davis, but especially Nurse Cindy Nguyen.

She helped me when I was very sick. I had had surgery a week earlier and spiked a fever, My Urologist felt it was life or death for me to have a second surgery. I was in great pain; hadn’t slept in a week and didn’t feel I could handle the surgery pain again. It was the worst pain of my life to have stents put in. The Dr had come in several times asking to sign the form for surgery, every time I refused. That night Cindy listened to my story and I had told her about my running. I told her I can’t fathom going through the pain and sleepless nights after surgery again. Cindy listened, then thoughtfully told me you are just struggling to make a decision due to lack of sleep and severe pain. She told me our minds give up before our bodies, like when you’re running. I understood instantly, hitting a wall in a half marathon where my mind says this is too hard, but I have always finished each of my races. I wish I could remember ever word of her pep talk. She told me we are also tougher than we know. These are all little things I tell myself while running. It really resonated and after she left I pondered her words, still confused how to navigate my predicament. Then it came, I will ask for help so I told the doctor what I needed. He agreed to hospitalize me after surgery until the stent comes out. So, I agreed to have surgery. After surgery I got so very ill for 2 or 3 days. So bad I wondered if I would die. My fevers were severe. I wonder if I didn’t do surgery how bad I would have gotten? Cindy was my Angel that helped me figure out my way while being exhausted. I am grateful for her caring and listening and her advice. Everyone who is so sick should have such a wonderful nurse like Cindy to help. I truly believe that Cindy Nguyen saved my life by taking the time to listen to me and helping me think things through clearly.