I am writing to nominate Kate for the DAISY Award for her outstanding care during our stay in the postpartum recovery unit. After a traumatic delivery, our experience up to the second day had been less than supportive, leaving my husband and I feeling overwhelmed and anxious. However, when Kate entered our room, she felt like an answered prayer.

From the moment she arrived, Kate provided compassionate support, patiently teaching us how to care for our newborn in a way that made us feel confident and capable as new parents. Her gentle encouragement and clear guidance were invaluable during a time when we desperately needed reassurance. She consistently reminded us that we could reach out for help at any time, which made a world of difference in our comfort and, specifically, gave me space to focus on my recovery.

In addition to her exceptional bedside manner, Kate advocated for us to be discharged 12 hours early, allowing us to return home and sleep in our own bed for my birthday. While this might sound trivial, her recognition that it was my birthday and how this small thing could allow me to feel seen and important, allowed me to feel prioritized in a way I hadn’t felt up to this point during our stay. Her thoughtful decision not only facilitated my healing but also helped us avoid the stressful marathon traffic on our drive home the next day, which made our transition home much less stressful and chaotic. 

Kate's dedication to providing excellent nursing care for both me and my baby transformed our experience at Rush. She was a beacon of positivity and support in our postpartum recovery, and I genuinely believe she is the reason I could start healing and find light during this challenging time. 

For her exceptional care, unwavering support, and advocacy for our family, I wholeheartedly nominate Kate for this award. She truly embodies the spirit of nursing excellence.