Lynette Willsey-Schmidt
February 2026
Lynette
Willsey-Schmidt
,
RN
Birth Suites
SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital - Madison
Madison
,
WI
United States
Lynette’s compassion, patience, and dedication made an incredibly scary experience feel manageable, and I will never forget the impact she had on me during that time.
I would like to nominate my nurse, Lynette, for the DAISY Award for the extraordinary compassion and care she showed me during one of the scariest moments of my life. I was transferred to SSM Health Madison for an appendectomy while 24 weeks pregnant, and I was overwhelmed with fear for both myself and my baby. From the very beginning, Lynette was a calm, reassuring presence when I needed it most. Lynette never rushed me or brushed off my fears. She took time to sit with me, answer my questions, and reassure me again when my anxiety felt unbearable. After surgery, when I was in significant pain, she stayed attentive and compassionate—always reminding me that everything was okay and that the pain would improve, while making sure I received medication when I needed it. What meant so much to me was how carefully she explained the risks and benefits of stronger medications, helping me feel confident in my choices and truly protecting my long-term health and my baby. Beyond the medical care, Lynette treated me with a level of kindness that felt deeply personal. She made sure I was eating, drinking enough water, and doing all the little things that matter so much for recovery. I truly felt like I was being cared for by someone like my mom—someone who genuinely wanted the best for my baby and me. Lynette’s compassion, patience, and dedication made an incredibly scary experience feel manageable, and I will never forget the impact she had on me during that time.