I can't adequately express the high regard we have for Maria Horn. She showed so much care and compassion for both J, the patient, and we as her family. Maria became the person each of us needed at the time: the pragmatic clinician for my husband the "analyzer," the nurturing coach for me - the emotional one, and a tireless cheerleader for my mother-in-law (you can do it, J!) Maria deserves the very highest praise. She demonstrates compassion and clinical excellence in every aspect of her daily tasks.
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My mother, J, was admitted in October and was moved to MICU in November. We immediately were greeted by a familiar face, Maria Horn, as mom had spent time in MICU earlier in the summer. Maria was not her assigned nurse that day but came in and greeted us like we were family. My mom had a rough few months and was recovering from colon cancer surgery among other cardio and respiratory issues. Of course, my mother received top-notch care from every MCIU nurse, but Maria went above that level.
While most other nurses "treated" my mom and cared for her according to the charts, Maria took more of a hands-on approach. She communicated directly with my mom and family and then made sure the treatment matched what she was seeing and hearing. If she thought something was wrong she didn't hesitate to call a doctor and update her condition. Every shift that Maria worked, she managed to be assigned to my mom! As life ultimately has slipped away from my mom, Maria became one of the family while making mom comfortable. While we were nearly ready to give up, Maria gave us all a "pep talk" and wanted to see if mom could make it through this fight.
Unfortunately, mom was not able to win the fight and passed away peacefully in November. Maria was not there the day mom passed, but I'm sure she shared our grief when the news reached her. My mom was 86 years old, had severe hearing problems, couldn't eat or get out of bed. She lost her voice over the last few days as well making communication next to impossible. None of that mattered to Maria, who cared for her like she was her very own mother.
We were surprised to see a bouquet of flowers at my mom's funeral from Maria and nurses from MICU. I don't think nurses send flowers to every patient, but this meant the world to me and my wife. The card said, "We enjoyed caring for her and we will never forget that wonderful smile!" I take this time to share our private story in hopes to honor this extraordinary nurse with a DAISY Award. Thank you, Maria, - you were truly an angel in my mother's final days!