No single event can describe why Kathleen O'Rourke, a nurse in cardiology, deserves the DAISY Award. Kathleen has been on the other end of the BIDMC phone with my wife and me since I became an outpatient. After chemotherapy and subsequent surgery, my blood pressure became quite high and difficult to control. Kathleen was the nurse who became the go-to person and our lifeline to Dr. G, my cardiologist. Kathleen took each of my phone calls and, with patience and in great detail, related what I told her to Dr. G. I never had to worry about anything because Kathleen would get back to me with either a plan or a solution to my problem. She always took her time when explaining what I had to do, making sure I understood what was expected of me, and answering any questions I had. After Dr. G lowered and stabilized my blood pressure, I developed Atrial Fibrillation (AFIB). Kathleen once again became my lifeline at the other end of the BIDMC phone line. Many phone calls back and forth were needed, as many changes in medications had to be made. Each time, Kathleen was there for me, relating the information to Dr. G and then back to me. Kathleen worked with me through 9 cardioversions and 3 ablations. Since I am on a blood thinner, questions always come up as to whether or not it should be stopped for a procedure. Kathleen has consistently helped me with those many instances. For example, my colonoscopy had to be handled differently because of the AFIB and blood thinner. Going to the dentist, getting gamma knife radiation, falling down on a snowy sidewalk, undergoing surgical procedures, and arranging for EKGs ASAP when I went into AFIB are additional instances of when I had to depend on Kathleen for help. She was always there and still is. Recently, my blood pressure spiked for no apparent reason. Kathleen consulted with Dr. G, and the problem was resolved on the same day. My condition has improved, not only from my doctor's care but from the help Kathleen gives me by being at the other end of the phone or the patient portal. She continues to be my direct line to the doctors who help me. Kathleen is helping patients on a day-to-day, year-to-year basis. Her patients aren't discharged after a hospital stay, never to be seen again. She sees and communicates with them continuously, and each time, she does her best to give them the help they need in a timely fashion. Kathleen makes my wife and me feel confident that we are getting the best care. She is the ultimate personification of compassion and professionalism, which translates to the high degree of trust I have not only in her and Dr. G but in the Cardiology Department at BIDMC. My wife and I can't think of any nurse who deserves the DAISY Award more than Kathleen O'Rourke.