Bloomington IU Health Primary Care registered nurse and DAISY Award winner highlights purpose and patience

“She could hear in my voice how overwhelmed and scared I was. Nurse Sarah noticed my distress. Instead of rushing through tasks, she took her time and truly listened.”

These are the words of a patient who needed stat imaging for suspicious masses, and while quickness was the name of the game, Sarah Miller, RN, delivered with compassion and patience.

The DAISY Award winner works at the IU Health Primary Care – Landmark office in Bloomington, primarily focusing on contacting patients with lab results, triaging patients over the phone and providing education to patients in the office.

“I would say having patience is the biggest trait you can have when working in healthcare. My tip to other medical professionals would be to listen to your patients and try to place yourself in their shoes. Your patients will never forget how you made them feel,” shares Miller.

The patient and award nominator described how big a difference Miller made by treating them as a person and not just a patient:

“That kind of genuine care went beyond clinical duties; it gave me strength and reassurance when I needed it most. Her prompt and compassionate responses made a difficult time much more manageable. It wasn’t just about responding fast, it was how she did it: with warmth, patience and empathy.”

Miller says that nursing gave her life a purpose and direction, and as a former travel nurse who has worked in multiple organizations across the nation, she is grateful to work at IU Health in the South Region.