It is not every day that an emergency room nurse finds herself in the position of having to call 911 and bring her own husband to the emergency department for a stroke. It is an incredibly frightening experience for everyone involved. That is exactly what happened to our family when my husband suffered a stroke and was admitted to the neurology unit.

As an ER nurse, I am accustomed to caring for patients during some of the most critical moments of their lives. However, in this situation, I felt helpless knowing I could not care for my husband the way I care for my own patients. Instead, I had to place my trust in the nurses caring for him and hope that he would receive the same level of compassion and excellence that I strive to provide in my own practice.

 I had the privilege of meeting Jane Konz, RN, who was assigned as my husband’s nurse. Jane entered the room with a calm, respectful presence and immediately made a positive impression. She carries herself with quiet confidence, dignity, and grace, which was both reassuring and comforting during a very stressful time.

That day, Jane was also orienting a new RN while managing her patient responsibilities. Despite this added role, she never appeared rushed or distracted. Instead, she took the time to truly understand my husband’s situation, asking thoughtful questions and ensuring his care was tailored to his specific needs. Her compassion and attentiveness made my husband feel valued and cared for, as though he were her only patient.

It was also clear that Jane is a strong and supportive leader of her unit. She demonstrated both patience and expertise while mentoring the new nurse, and it was evident that her colleagues felt comfortable seeking her guidance. Her ability to balance excellent patient care while supporting and educating new staff speaks highly of her professionalism and dedication.

We were fortunate to have Jane as my husband’s nurse for two consecutive days on the neurology unit. Knowing that she was caring for him provided me with tremendous peace of mind during times when I could not be at the hospital. I trusted that she was caring for him with the same compassion and attention she would give to a member of her own family.

Jane’s kindness, professionalism, and commitment to both her patients and colleagues made a lasting impression on us. We are deeply grateful for the care she provided during such a difficult and vulnerable time. Jane is incredibly deserving of a Daisy Award Nomination as she showed compassion, expertise, and collaboration, proving that she has the ability to guide, serve, and heal, which is the epitome of someone winning a Daisy Award.

Thank you, Jane, for your kindness and compassion during my husband’s hospital stay.