I have had to hip replacement surgeries at Riverview in the last two years. Generally speaking, I have found all of the nurses at Riverview to be competent and caring. They are knowledgeable and serve as vital links between patient and doctor communicating and exchanging information about the patient's condition. They all should be commended for their work. But one extraordinary nurse stands out - Lu Lu.

Lu Lu has all of the qualities that I mentioned. She is knowledgeable and insightful in her field of medicine. She educated me on more than one aspect of my medical condition. For example, the role of hemoglobin and iron and oxygen in the bloodstream and how the interplay affects one's medical condition. I asked about her education and she explained that going to smaller classes at St. Peter's College allowed for more direct communication between professor and nursing student.

Lu Lu is a credit to nursing and I have come to regard nursing as a most noble profession. But perhaps Lu Lu's greatest asset in addition to her education, skill, and knowledge is her unique and uplifting personality. She has an infectious, easy laugh and lights up the room when she walks in. She took great medical care of me with compassion while spreading joy and optimism and laughter - important medicine in their own right. And this all happened during Lu Lu's night shift and during the long hours when my spirit needed an encouraging lift....enter Lu Lu!

I sincerely nominate Lu Lu for the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses in light of her skill and compassionate care of me when I needed it most. She still brings a smile to my face.