I apologize for writing this letter so late, but I am just now getting back to normal. I spent two nights in the Baptist Hospital Collierville on March 15 & 16, 2010, following hip replacement revision surgery. The daytime nurse on my floor was Dawn Woody.

This letter is written to acknowledge and commend the outstanding work done by Dawn Woody. I was around medical centers for thirty-seven years with the University of Tennessee, and I have never witnessed a better nurse in action. Dawn was amazing. She is just the kind of person you want taking care of you when you are recovering from surgery. Her people skills are outstanding; her nursing skills superb. She was right on top of everything during my entire two days. You are very fortunate to have her on your staff. Thanks to everyone at Collierville Baptist for making my stay a pleasant one.

I would like to bring your attention to the valuable resource you have working on your third floor. I was in your hospital from April 3rd through April 15th due to an appendix. As I was recovering I had complications and was very sick. I don’t think many people were paying attention to my condition. My health was going in the wrong direction fast. To complicate things my wife was attending to my son who was also in the hospital. However the nurse that was assigned to me realized that I was having problems after she was instructed to discharge me. She took charge of the situation and contacted the doctor and firmly offered options to my discharge due to my condition. Needless to say I did not go home at that point. In fact it was scary to think what may have happened if indeed I had been discharged.
I would like you to recognize the asset you have in Dawn Woody, RN. As we all know some people have a passion and some want a paycheck. When you are at the mercy of those who surround you, the difference stands clear. Dawn Woody, RN has a passion and went above and beyond to ensure I was taken care of.

My mom had back surgery last Monday and stayed on 3N then 2N until Saturday night. I just wanted to tell you that the staff was very professional and caring at the same time for the entire stay. One that does stand out is Dawn Woody. She cared for my mom for 3 or 4 days. She is so thorough and efficient and manages to be compassionate at the same time. She did not hesitate to call Dr. Williams when my mom’s status changed. This is so refreshing in a time that those of us that have been around a while notice that professionalism and compassion do not always go hand in hand. One of us was with my mother at all times, but when we needed assistance, the call light was answered in an appropriate amount of time and my mother’s needs were met. She was confused for several days after surgery and all were very patient with her.
Please pass this on to your staff and especially to Dawn who I am so grateful to. I know that as a former manager, it is nice to hear compliments for your staff rather than the negativity that sometimes overwhelms us. Thanks again!