During my hospital stay as a 92-year-old, I found Ali as an extraordinary nurse. All the nurses were competent and kind, but Ali was especially attentive to my needs. She would often come into my room to check on my comfort as I was constantly on a recliner because the bed was too large for me to sleep in it. Ali anticipated the adjustments needed to minimize my pain and discomfort.

One evening after my husband and another visitor had left, I felt unusually down and alone. Ali passed by my room and looked in to see me bent over. She asked if I was alright. When I said no, she came to me. I told her I felt lonely and down. Ali said there was one thing she had to take care of for a patient and then she would be back to stay with me. She came back soon after and sat beside me. We shared about our families, and she listened intently and asked questions as I shared about the past missionary ministry my husband and I had in various countries. As we talked my depression was fading.

Ali had to leave but she noticed in the hall computer that my heart monitor lines were not working. Ali apologized for keeping me awake as she came in to adjust the lines a few times, but I was not asleep. She finally had to get a new monitor before her 0300 off duty arrived. I thought Ali had left since it was past 0300, but she came to see how I was and to say goodbye. Since I was awake, she spoke comforting words once again as we held hands. My depression had turned to joy because of Ali’s warm loving comfort, and I was able to sleep in peace. So, I recommend Ali for the Daisy Award because I found her to be an extraordinary nurse who truly puts her patients’ needs first.