My mother had a reverse shoulder replacement at 80 years of age. Post surgery she was brought to 14S and was having a difficult time coming around from the anesthesia and was in quite a bit of pain. After settling in and eating a small amount, Mom encountered an episode that triggered a rapid response from the entire floor/unit. Fortunately, the outcome for Mom was ok but this added to her pain and stress post op. Nkoli Okocha was my mother's daytime nurse the morning after and for the remainder of her stay at the hospital. She was compassionate, kind, caring, and immediate as she could be to my mother's needs and was clear as she explained her every move while caring for my mother, but there was one moment in particular that moved me, and this moment has stayed with me since my mother's hospitalization.

One particular morning, Mom was feeling a lot of discomfort and was having an emotional time. Nkoli came in to care for Mom as she always did, but this moment caught my notice. Mom was in the chair, emotional and in pain. Nkoli came to her and bent down so she could look my mom straight in the eyes and speak closely to her. She focused on my mother's eyes and was so compassionate, tender, and caring. She gently placed her hand on my mother's cheek and chin and then her shoulder as she calmly soothed my mother. She explained that this discomfort would get better, that she would be going home soon, and that she was doing great, and then asked her if she needed more pain medicine. Mom nodded yes, through her tears, and Nkoli promised she would return shortly with the medicine, which she did so moments later. I watched this moment and realized, that Nkoli needed to be recognized for her work as a nurse. She is an exceptional human being and I have no doubt she was placed on this earth to be a nurse. She is, in my opinion, the epitome of what a person who chooses to become a nurse should possess. Educated, calm, caring, compassionate, understanding, and willing.

This nomination was intended to be entered months ago, but life got in the way. Today, it is priority to me that Nkoli Okocha be nominated for a DAISY Award. Stony Brook University has an asset in her as an employee. Her patients are in great care, and I am grateful that she was there for my mother, and it is my honor to nominate Nkoli Okocha for a DAISY Award.