November 2024 Honoree
Mary Kuniak, RN
My father was a patient at Allegheny Valley Hospital. He has stage 4 pancreatic cancer and was admitted last Saturday for extreme fatigue and weakness after falling several times at his home. He received inpatient care for almost a week before being discharged today to a skilled nursing facility for extra rehab and therapy.
During his stay, he received great attention and care from everyone on the staff; however, one nurse stood out from the crowd. I know how busy the job of nursing can be, but Mary always took the extra time to check in with my dad and me throughout the day beyond her standard nursing duties. While he was admitted he ate/drank very little, slept the majority of the time and was only able to say a few words here and there due to exhaustion.
After not eating or drinking for several days, Mary asked him if there was anything he’d like to have, and he said Red Ribbon Cherry Pop. She informed him that the hospital didn’t offer that as a drink option, but she would see what she could do. It would have been very easy to brush off the request and say no, but not for this nominee. She personally delivered him an ice-cold cherry pop later that afternoon. My dad lit up like a kid on Christmas! It was the first time I had seen him smile in days, and I almost broke down in tears seeing the joy it brought him.
It’s funny to think that such a small gesture could have such an impact, but it’s something I will never forget. And when it came time for him to be discharged, Mary came over to say goodbye, gave him a big hug, and wished him well. She had only known him for less than a week, but the way she cared about him, it was as if they were lifelong friends.
In a world that can be quite sad and broken at times, it is reassuring to know that compassionate and wonderful people like Mary are there to help out, one bottle of pop at a time. I would like to nominate Mary for the DAISY Award and believe she embodies all the qualities of an extraordinary nurse.
During his stay, he received great attention and care from everyone on the staff; however, one nurse stood out from the crowd. I know how busy the job of nursing can be, but Mary always took the extra time to check in with my dad and me throughout the day beyond her standard nursing duties. While he was admitted he ate/drank very little, slept the majority of the time and was only able to say a few words here and there due to exhaustion.
After not eating or drinking for several days, Mary asked him if there was anything he’d like to have, and he said Red Ribbon Cherry Pop. She informed him that the hospital didn’t offer that as a drink option, but she would see what she could do. It would have been very easy to brush off the request and say no, but not for this nominee. She personally delivered him an ice-cold cherry pop later that afternoon. My dad lit up like a kid on Christmas! It was the first time I had seen him smile in days, and I almost broke down in tears seeing the joy it brought him.
It’s funny to think that such a small gesture could have such an impact, but it’s something I will never forget. And when it came time for him to be discharged, Mary came over to say goodbye, gave him a big hug, and wished him well. She had only known him for less than a week, but the way she cared about him, it was as if they were lifelong friends.
In a world that can be quite sad and broken at times, it is reassuring to know that compassionate and wonderful people like Mary are there to help out, one bottle of pop at a time. I would like to nominate Mary for the DAISY Award and believe she embodies all the qualities of an extraordinary nurse.
Thank you, Mary, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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