Kenneth Swartz

The specific event of compassionate nursing care as written on the nomination form by a family member of Ken's patient:

“I was enduring the darkest hours of my life the evening of January 28, 2011.  My mom was in a comatose state and suffering from numerous complications.  I was alone and scared.  Fortunately Ken Swartz was my mom’s nurse that night.  He was extremely compassionate and caring.  Ken took valuable time out of his busy schedule to help me better understand what had occurred to my mom.  He explained things better than the doctors themselves!  Most of all he consoled me when I was overwhelmed and frightened that my mom would never recover.  He hugged me and let me release my tears.  After I left that night, Ken called to inform me that when he was cleaning my mom she looked up and said hello.  Also her eyes were following him when he walked.  Ken told me that they were interesting signs and that I should get some sleep.

This is an example of how rare a person Ken Swartz is.  He reached out to a stranger and provided caring sympathy and relief.  I’m truly blessed that I met Ken Swartz and I will never forget him!  I believe that Ken Swartz is a gifted, bright and caring RN and individual.  You are very lucky to have him on your staff.  He is truly an asset!”

It is with this kind of compassionate and dedicated care that Kaiser Permanente and the DAISY Foundation present Ken with the DAISY award.