As I travel this journey known as stroke recovery with my husband several people stand out for their care, compassion and gentleness but none more so than Karen Hyden, RN. Karen had the patience and good humor to deal with me as I first confused her with another nurse but as I spent the day with my husband I realized that this was not just another face out of many but that this is an employee that stands out for her caring, sensitivity, kindness, warmth and compassion. The way Karen conducts and handles herself made me stop and realize that we were blessed to have an "angel in blue" taking care of us. Not only did she demonstrate Oakwood's CREDO and that Patient's Come First but she also made sure that our whole family was taken care of. She was a key team player in my husband's recovery making sure he was receiving quality care with kindness and respect knowing that in his situation you are humbled by the things you once took for granted.

Karen always respected his need for modesty and privacy while taking care of him.

She took the time to listen to my husband's daughters and research answers to their questions.

She always took the time to find out how I was doing and gave me so much strength to keep moving forward with her words and actions.

She celebrated his milestones by doing something special for him - when he advanced to thin liquids she got him a cup of his favorite Starbucks coffee as a reward.

She always made sure to include him in all the discussions making sure that she respected and met his needs.

She always talked to him and not around him and made sure that everything he needed to be made comfortable was taken care of.

She always made the time and we felt like we were the only patient and family she was taking care of (but of course she had several patients per day) but that is part of what made her stand out.

Karen made such a positive impression on us that we cannot wait until he is walking again to go back and give her the bear hug she deserves.