RANP Impact Story – Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda
“I have known this nurse for more than two years, I trust her professionalism and judgement, and when I
have attended her clinics, she demonstrates such a superior knowledge in her speciality. She is proficient in her knowledge and shares this expertise without hesitation. Recently, I have seen this combined with empathy, understanding, and compassion, which raises her up to a whole different level. This combination helped me through a difficult time that I will briefly outline.
Following a fourth visit to my GP & the emergency department, I was told that I had cancer, a word that can make your life flash before your eyes and question your mortality. After giving me some time to process this information, my wife contacted this nurse to request her assistance. She kicked into action, reviewing bloods, x-rays, requesting more bloods, and immediately discussing my case with a consultant. Following her phone call, I was reassured that she was in control of whatever needed to be done, and it certainly would happen. When I had further tests done, she was waiting for the phone call to her to know how it went, which thankfully, so far has all been treatable and manageable. In hindsight, of course, I now realise that it may have been erroneous of the GP to mention the word “cancer” given that I had no tests performed; however, hearing the word from a professional was enough. This nurse demonstrated true professionalism in her methodical approach. When you are dependent on another human being to help you through difficult journeys, it requires trust; however, when this trust is coupled with empathy, understanding, knowledge, and confidence, this is a combination that truly deserves recognition. It gave me strength and courage to ensure that I was in the hands of a real professional who would ensure that I would have the right things done, and for this, I am truly grateful. When she was gifted flowers, her response was that she was only “doing her job”. However, to be exceptional in your job requires integrity and a work ethic, which is rare that she demonstrated to me and my wife, and it means so much more than “doing your job”
have attended her clinics, she demonstrates such a superior knowledge in her speciality. She is proficient in her knowledge and shares this expertise without hesitation. Recently, I have seen this combined with empathy, understanding, and compassion, which raises her up to a whole different level. This combination helped me through a difficult time that I will briefly outline.
Following a fourth visit to my GP & the emergency department, I was told that I had cancer, a word that can make your life flash before your eyes and question your mortality. After giving me some time to process this information, my wife contacted this nurse to request her assistance. She kicked into action, reviewing bloods, x-rays, requesting more bloods, and immediately discussing my case with a consultant. Following her phone call, I was reassured that she was in control of whatever needed to be done, and it certainly would happen. When I had further tests done, she was waiting for the phone call to her to know how it went, which thankfully, so far has all been treatable and manageable. In hindsight, of course, I now realise that it may have been erroneous of the GP to mention the word “cancer” given that I had no tests performed; however, hearing the word from a professional was enough. This nurse demonstrated true professionalism in her methodical approach. When you are dependent on another human being to help you through difficult journeys, it requires trust; however, when this trust is coupled with empathy, understanding, knowledge, and confidence, this is a combination that truly deserves recognition. It gave me strength and courage to ensure that I was in the hands of a real professional who would ensure that I would have the right things done, and for this, I am truly grateful. When she was gifted flowers, her response was that she was only “doing her job”. However, to be exceptional in your job requires integrity and a work ethic, which is rare that she demonstrated to me and my wife, and it means so much more than “doing your job”
Viji Mathew Respiratory RANP at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, was recently honoured with a DAISY Award for extraordinary compassion and clinical excellence. The DAISY Award celebrates the remarkable difference nurses make in the lives of their patients and families. Viji’s dedication embodies the core values of advanced nursing practice—expertise, leadership, and compassionate care. Well done Viji and thank you for sharing this amazing story with us.
