DAISY Award—Erik Leisten BSN, RN, CCRN

Erik Leisten, BSN, RN, CCRN
Patient Care Resources

This only touches the surface of how wonderful Erik is.

My partner R. was a patient in your Medical ICU from November 5, 2020 until his death on November 7, 2020. He received exceptional care.

The nurse I would like to honor is Erik Leisten. R. was so fortunate to have Erik help him leave this world. R. was having a very difficult time as his body was failing. R. had been fighting with all the strength he could gather for four years. He was optimistic to the very end. He was awake and alert and very aware of his situation.

R. had called his son to tell him to fly in right away. He wanted to hold on until both of his children and I were there. We were loving partners for 18 years. Erik supported our family by advocating for us by allowing his children and me to be able to say “I Love You” and to hold his hand while they said good-bye and were with him as his last wish was-to be with him as he took his last breaths.

Erik explained all options and procedures and let us know each step of what was happening as he died. Erik allowed us to be less frightened by guiding us every step. Erik was extremely compassionate to R. and me and his children. Erik fills the role of a “perfect nurse”, he is knowledgeable, compassionate, graceful, experienced, kind, perceptive, skilled and intelligent. I felt cared for while Don was leaving this world because of Erik Leisten, RN.

Nominator: I am an Oncology Nurse and worked at UCDMC for 23 years. I know an outstanding nurse who stands out from the rest when I see one and Erik Leisten, RN is that Nurse.