I nominate Erin Kirkpatrick for the DAISY Award at Aurora BayCare Medical Center. Let me explain why, my mom, was admitted on Tuesday, March 5. She had gone into cardiac arrest in the ambulance on the commute from Oconto Falls, WI. Erin happened to not be busy in the ICU and went to the ER to help. My mom came in that night at approximately 8PM. Erin greeted my mom at some point in the ER after the Doctors saw her.

My older sister met her soon after my Mom arrived and immediately felt her compassion and expertise. My younger sister and I met Erin at 1:00AM Wednesday, March 6th. We were sleep deprived and anxious not knowing what we were walking into. What we saw was our mother on a ventilator, hooked up to monitors and a lot of IV bags. It was pretty scary from a non-clinical world looking at a loved one in such a state. Erin was calm, sweet and clearly explained the status of my Mother's health.

Erin did a remarkable job taking care of my Mother but also her family, 3 daughters, a husband and a son in a time of crisis. She was on then off for 12 hours and then on again. Erin said she rarely does back to back like that. We are certain we needed someone of her caliber to help us through the process. Erin spent plenty of time getting to know us as well as our relationship with our mother. Erin also told us how she felt the love with the stories we shared about my Mother or just in conversations.

Erin was realistic and cool-headed. She was loving and tender when it came to medical care, moving, bathing. I could go on and on. Her bedside manner was one of someone with many more years of experience. She was optimistic until the following day when my mom wasn't answering/following commands, her stats crashed and Parkinson's disease was breaking through without her medicine.

Erin guided us in prayer when we were at a loss for the words to Hail Mary. She did everything she promised calling the chaplain, bringing in blankets, extra chairs, etc. She went above and beyond as far as what I would expect a nurse should do. She also shared stories of her Grandfather's struggles with the same disease.

Erin called Molly on her day off to see how my Mom was doing which she also told us she hasn't done in the years she has been practicing. Erin even spent time with me and my father long after she punched out. She saw our struggles dealing with the notion of the upcoming death of our mother. We asked how she can handle work like this and she said she loves it. She sees few families such as ours stay around the clock showering our mother with love. She has a gift to make people feel comfortable in their most vulnerable moments.

All of the caregivers and doctors were good but Erin was extraordinary. Erin also to our surprise came to the hospital and brought my sister's and Easter basket full of candy and a tulip plant the morning my Mom died. She comforted my sister in the last hours while they were waiting for her to die.

She was only with my Mom 24 hours of her life but she is someone I'll never forget. Mom passed on March 9 at 1:09PM and I miss her terribly. Erin holds a special place in my heart.

Erin is an employee and caregiver that needs to be recognized. She made a huge difference in my Mom's last days on earth. She also helped our family more than I can put in words.