I had a colonoscopy and endoscopy at the hospital last year and Laurie was my nurse. Though I had never known Laurie before from the moment that I met her I was blown away by the way that she did everything possible to put me at ease and make me comfortable while I was under her care. Both before and after my procedures she saw to my needs in a way that was not only very professional but also oh-so compassionate, friendly, gentle, and understanding--and while I was under her care she made me feel like I was the only patient that she was caring for (which I'm quite sure was not the case) and that taking care of my every need was the only thing on her mind. Before my colonoscopy and endoscopy, she took the time to get to know me and to explain everything that she was doing and everything that I needed to know about the procedures that I was going to have done (neither of which I had had any prior experience with). In addition both before and after my procedures she made sure that I was comfortable at all times. Last (but not least) when my colonoscopy and endoscopy were complete she asked me if she could bring me something to eat and when I said that that would be great she made me the best cinnamon toast that I've ever had! Earlier last year I had surgery at a different facility which was the first time that I was ever hospitalized for anything. The care that I received at that facility was superb and I was very happy with most of the nurses that I had there. However, the nurse that stands out in my mind as the best nurse (by far) that I've ever had is Nurse Krajco -- and apparently I'm not the only one who feels that way. I say that because later when I told a relative of mine who is also a nurse at the Richland Hospital how impressed I was with her & my relative said "I'm not surprised; Laurie’s such a sweetheart--and a wonderful nurse!" And later when I talked to Laurie’s supervisor to ask if the hospital had any kind of award for which I could nominate her (which at that time it did not) her supervisor echoed those same sentiments telling me that “...too many times nurses like Laurie go unrecognized despite the fact that the compassionate care she gives her patients is a reflection of the kind of care that the entire Richland Hospital wants to be known for.” For all of the above reasons for the very positive way that she represents both the Richland Hospital and healthcare professionals everywhere and for the very real difference that Laurie Krajco made during my time under her care I am thrilled and honored to be able to nominate her for the DAISY Award.