No one who comes to the surgery department for a procedure is stress free, even those patients who have had weeks to prepare for a surgery. Jo Kledis is the type of nurse who understands that although surgery is "a day in the life" for her, it is most assuredly not "a day in the life" for her patients. Jo is the epitome of a professional nurse, advocating for her patients tirelessly, and tending to both their emotional and physical needs. This is illustrated through the words of Jo's patients:

"I don't know if I would have made it without her"

"I woke up and there was angel over me holding my hand and smiling, I later learned that angel's name was Jo"

"Jo was my nurse, and she is the best I have ever had"

"Jo made sure that I had everything that I needed before I walked out the door!"

"Jo is compassionate, caring, and was my guardian angel"

"Jo touched my life and my family's. She is a real nurse; what we think of when we think of Nursing"

As Jo continues through her nursing career, she will touch the lives of many others, and those patients will be blessed to have Jo taking care of them. Thank you Jo, for being the tireless advocate and caregiver that you are! We are lucky to have you on our team!