Kimberly Klepac, RN, CNOR

Operating room nurses are often overlooked for DAISY Nominations because their interactions with patients are brief. Although my interaction with Nurse Kim lasted no more than 15 minutes as she accompanied me from the day surgery unit to the operating room, she had a profound, unforgettable impact on me. From the moment she introduced herself and began talking with me, I immediately felt safe, reassured, and genuinely cared for. She recognized my anxiety without me having to say much and took the time to acknowledge my fears instead of dismissing them. She even shared my concerns with the anesthesia team so they could address them before my surgery, which made me feel heard and supported. What stood out most was how confidently she spoke about the surgical team. She shared how experienced the surgeons and anesthesia providers were and even highlighted the scrub technician's proficiency. Her confidence in the team was contagious and helped replace my fear with trust.

Through her calm communication and compassionate presence, she assured me I would be well cared for during one of the most vulnerable moments of my life. Nurse Kim showed that exceptional nursing care is measured not by the time spent with a patient, but by the quality of that interaction. In less than 15 minutes, she transformed my surgical experience from fear to confidence and peace. Her compassion and professionalism left such a lasting impression that when I returned for a second surgery three months later, I specifically requested that she be my nurse again. I knew that having Nurse Kim by my side would help me face surgery with the same sense of comfort and confidence she had given me the first time. Nurse Kim truly embodies the extraordinary compassion, advocacy, and excellence that the DAISY Award recognizes. She made a lasting difference in my life, and I will always be grateful for the care she provided.