Kathy Biesterveld has been caring for residents at the Maplewood Nursing Home for over 30 years and has worn many different hats in nursing from direct patient care, care coordinator, supervisor to present day charge nurse.

Candis Hensgen, registered nurse at Mayo Clinic Health System - Chippewa Valley writes in nominating Biesterveld for the DAISY Award for Exceptional Nurses, "You can see that she loves her job by the kindness and joy that she shares with her patients".

"When I first began training as a RN, I was having some trouble catching on to the charting system. Kathy was very diligent in making sure that I was able to get the charting down and was very intent on me for that moment," says Hensgen. "She is able to calm down the inconsolable resident, which is a secret talent that I am still trying to figure out - amazing."

Biesterveld grew up in a family who accepted individual traits, was taught positive thinking, tolerance and support of one another in all endeavors. She shared that even during struggles; there was always positive encouragement and guidance in coping with difficulty.

"One ponders how they could possibly have been the one to be chosen for the DAISY Award and after contemplation I realize an attitude of nurturing, caring for, and having compassionate feelings for the elderly has always been a part of me," says Biesterveld. "I value our residents' contributions to society that have made us and our country what we are today." She adds "Teamwork supersedes individual needs when it comes to meeting the every need of our residents. We need to care for one another and laugh often. And I've really developed a love for cinnamon rolls!"