A six-day stay over Christmas was difficult, but Kathy made it as painless as possible. Her empathy, quality of care, and professionalism went above and beyond. She attended to my every need, always one step ahead without having to ask. She worked on scheduled days off, adding to an already stressful workload. She never faltered. Her smile and kindness would welcome each new day for me. And even on my worst days, when the news of staying another day would bring me down, Kathy would find a way to lift me up.

On Christmas Eve, after a 12-hour shift, Kathy took the extra time to shampoo my hair. What an extraordinary act of kindness! To me, a gift that was unexpected, but so unappreciated. Kathy was my guardian angel during my non-covid stay on 4 West.

***

We have a patient with an intellectual disability who has no family and lives in a group home. He has been in the hospital for almost a month. Kathy knew he’d be here for Christmas, so she purchased several gifts for him and wrapped them as a surprise. On Christmas Eve, “Santa” was rounding in the hospital and stopped up to the unit shortly after the patient had asked Kathy if he would see Santa tonight. She gave the gifts to “Santa” who delivered the gifts to the patient. It was very thoughtful of Kathy to make this patient’s Christmas as good as it could be while stuck in the hospital.

Kathy is the nurse that everyone should have. She is soft-spoken but has a big voice for patients. She is concerned, caring, and compassionate. Kathy is a team leader. She leads by example; she never says it is someone else's job. She does just what is needed for the patient.

***

Kathy can work fundamentally. It takes help to move me. Kathy taught me how she and I could move; that gave me confidence. Kathy gives hope, the best medicine. I thank Kathy so much for what she has done for me. Kathy is amazing