Monday started off as a normal Monday despite not feeling well the previous 36 hours. Only it didn’t stay normal- it quickly changed as I became debilitated by abdominal pain causing me to seek care at the ED. My labs, liver enzymes, and bilirubin were critically high. I was told I was going to be admitted and would have consults with GI/GVS. It was thought my pain was due to an angry gallbladder and potentially blocked stone(s). After an ultrasound, it was confirmed an ERCP was needed prior to my gallbladder could be removed. 3 of the 6 days I was hospitalized Kathy was my assigned nurse. The consistency of the same nurse for 3 consecutive days 12 hour shift each day was amazing. Kathy knew right away if something wasn’t right. She made every attempt to be in my room with me when a provider rounded. She helped ensure any questions/concerns I had earlier were addressed with the provider and was my voice when I was not feeling well enough to advocate for myself. Even though I am an RN in the network Kathy didn’t just assume I knew what I was supposed to do or what to expect. She made sure I understood what was going on and provided me with the assurance I needed that things were going to get better and that it was okay to ask for pain medications whenever needed. She listened to me, made me laugh, helped me feel comfortable in the hospital setting, and showed me a great deal of empathy. I unfortunately had a delay in surgery due to developing pancreatic (possible complication from the ERCP). In the midst of those 48 hours when the pain was at its worst, Kathy made an effort to check in on me more often, so I did not have to rely on using the call button so much. She anticipated a lot of my needs before I even knew I had them. I never felt like a number going through the motions with her.

Kathy made me feel safe, taken care of, and confident that I was getting the best care possible. She not only took the time to know me better but also to build a rapport with my family. She made an unexpected emergent situation less frightening, and for that, I am forever grateful. I’ve known Kathy for many years as a colleague and have seen the wonderful things she has done for her patients. Being able to experience that care firsthand, I was blown away. I feel that Kathy demonstrates compassionate care, excellence in her nursing skills and has a commitment to ensure the right thing is done. Forester HFM is blessed to have her on our team! She truly deserves the DAISY Award.