I would like to nominate Nurse Kathy for the DAISY Award for the incredible compassion, care, and kindness she showed my mom and our entire family during a very difficult time. When my mom was first admitted to the hospital last month for two weeks, Kathy was one of the nurses who cared for her on several occasions. Every time she came into the room, her calm presence and sweet nature brought a sense of peace that meant more than words can express. She treated my mom with such dignity and patience, always taking the time to explain things clearly and gently, while making her feel truly seen and valued. Even in the small things, fluffing her pillow, adjusting her bed, or simply holding her hand when she was anxious, Kathy made sure my mom never felt alone.

During that stay, my mom had to have an NG tube placed. It was uncomfortable and unfamiliar to her, and one night she ended up pulling it out. After it was replaced, she kept reaching for it again, and we were all worried she might accidentally pull it out when no one was in the room. Kathy came up with a simple but thoughtful solution: she brought in soft mitts to gently cover my mom’s hands at night. It wasn’t just a clinical decision; it was a compassionate one.

She explained everything to me and reassured us both that this was just a way to keep my mom safe and comfortable without causing distress. And she didn’t stop there. Kathy continued to check on her frequently through the night, making sure she was okay and that the mitts were not bothering her. That level of care and attentiveness gave me so much peace of mind. Kathy did not just care for my mom; she cared for me, too.

On the nights I couldn’t be there, she would call to give me updates, even without me asking. Those calls meant everything. I always felt such relief knowing that my mom was in good hands. There was a comfort in knowing Kathy was there, someone who truly cared, someone who treated my mom like family. What touched me most was during my mom’s most recent admission.

We were fortunate enough that when my mom got admitted again, it was on the same floor, just one room down from the first time she was there a month ago. Kathy wasn't even assigned to her initially, but when she saw my mom's name on the floor, she made sure she was assigned to her on her very first day back to work. I happened to be there that day, and when Kathy walked in and said, "I wanted to make sure I had her again," I was overwhelmed with gratitude. It meant the world to me and to my mom to be cared for not just by a nurse, but by someone who remembered, who cared deeply, and who went out of her way to be there.

Kathy made a lasting impact on us. Her kindness, compassion, and dedication truly reflect the heart of nursing. We will never forget how she made us feel during some of our hardest days. She is more than deserving of the DAISY Award. Thank you, Kathy, for all you do and for taking such great care of my mom. We just loved you!