I would love to nominate Ivy-RN Night Nurse (My Knight Nurse in shining armor) for the DAISY Award. As a nurse of 46 years, you have high expectations when you have to go into the hospital. Mostly because even though you have spent many years in health care, deep down you are just like any other patient entering the hospital, scared, anxious and just fearing the aspect of being on the receiving side of health care.

I entered the hospital to have a Right Total Hip Replacement. Due to my Rheumatoid Arthritis/ Inflammatory arthritis and doing well mostly, I had a cascading event that required surgery a lot sooner than anyone expected.

I had surgery and got to my room late in the afternoon. It wasn't long before it was shift change and I met Ivy. I could tell from the moment I met her, that I was in safe hands. Ivy was very attentive to all my needs. She anticipated a lot of my needs without even having to ask. She was always educating me with regard to care and proper management of my new hip. Because of my arthritic history, my pain not only was at the new surgical site, but in all my other arthritic joints. It was sometimes difficult to manage the pain, however Ivy consistently managed my pain not only with medicine but with alternative measures. Sometimes what caregivers forget is that patients don't always need medicine for pain. Sure that helps tremendously, but Ivy had a way of spending time with me during her busy nights when I was alone and unable to sleep. We would just talk and laugh about our nursing pasts, family, and general topics that were not only relaxing but humorous. The kindness and compassion she showed me was unparalleled. She always made sure I was safe and comfortable. I was very fortunate to have Ivy as my nurse two nights in a row. I felt ready to go home without worries because she prepared me and my husband so well for our return home.

Ivy is a very special nurse, and she got me through a situation I was not looking forward to. Thank You, Ivy, for all the love and care you gave me. You made my stay much more acceptable and less frightful!

You are my DAISY and an Extraordinary Nurse!