My 92-year-old father was in Hackensack University Medical Center 3 North following a stroke and serious pneumonia. His room was changed during his second week, the last eight days of his stay. His Nurse, Annie, was assigned to his care throughout his entire last week. We immediately recognized the care, love, and concern she expressed while treating my Dad.

Annie was attentive and allayed my father's fears as well as those of my two sisters. She would advise us of his status each time entering the room and reviewed the medications and supplements she was administering and the purpose of each. She was aware of the status of his IVs as they sometimes leaked due to his tired veins. Annie would immediately and gently change them while talking to my father and making him feel comfortable in the process. It was evident to us that our Dad trusted and appreciated Annie's kind words and gentle yet respectful way with him. Annie clearly understood my father's needs and assured both him and his children that through educating us on his needs, updating us on his condition as it changes, why the doctors chose the approach they were taking as things changed, and most importantly, making Dad comfortable. This was critical for us because Dad had been in bed for almost two weeks prior to leaving the hospital.

Annie has a gentle spirit about her that permits her to work with a patient who is fearful and a family who is terrified in a way no other person on 3 North was capable of or even attempted. There are nurses, and then there are nurses who go above and beyond to ensure their patients are respected throughout their hospitalization, something rare in hospital settings, especially for the elderly. One example of this was when there was a critical incident in my father's room, as his roommate attacked three aides, causing my Dad to become fearful as the drama played out. Annie paid close attention to my Dad, assuring him of his safety and assuring his family, who were kept at bay, that he was safe. Her calm and professional spirit relaxed my father and both of my sisters, who were crying as security rushed the room. It was her professionalism that made a dramatic situation tenable for us to feel secure in my father's care, knowing she was paying close attention as she demonstrated through action his care was not impacted.

Annie is a nurse who should be commended, celebrated, and honored with a DAISY Award for her dedication, commitment, professionalism, and care for patients who have diminished from strokes. She is a shining star and someone we all believe who made Dad's visit to Hackensack University Medical Center a positive experience.