Photo: Karen Kramer, CNO; Karen Salemie, RN, Dr. John Duff, Sr. VP

I nominate Karen Salemie for the DAISY Award. Karen exemplifies a positive attitude, enthusiasm, and extraordinary critical thinking skills that was really displayed during my time in Labor & Delivery at Cox South hospital.
Karen provided me with the knowledge to make a decision for the care of myself and my unborn child. She was not pushy or overwhelming. She kept her cool and stayed calm even when matters got scary for my family and me. She always kept a positive attitude with me, even when I wasn’t yet sure how I wanted to proceed with my delivery. Karen kept me very informed of every stage of the labor and delivery process, and she allowed my family and me to make the decisions that were best for us.
Because this was my first child, I had lots of questions and a huge fear of the unknown. Karen always made me feel very comfortable, at ease, and informed about the changing events – even in the delivery room. My family and I were able to build a strong relationship with her and felt at ease in her care. I was able to go through labor for as long as it was safe for my baby and me, which is what I wanted to do. When it was brought to my attention that I would need a cesarean, she never left my side and kept me informed of everything I would be experiencing. Her calm and peaceful collectiveness made my family and I feel very comfortable going into the surgical room.
Karen’s passion for her patients is astounding. As I am reading back over this nomination, I am starting to cry reliving my experience all over again. Karen only wants what is best for her patients, their families, and their newborn babies. This is why I believe she is most deserving of the DAISY Award.