Patricia Haak
November 2025
Patricia
Haak
,
LPN
Dermatology Clinic
Sanford Health
Sioux Falls
,
SD
United States
To me, excellent healthcare should be the standard, but Patty exemplifies care that goes far beyond the standard; she elevates it.
I could not have asked for better care than what I received from my medical team, especially my nurse, Patricia (Patty) Haak.
From the very beginning, Patty made me feel seen and cared for. She listened attentively to my concerns and took the time to look directly at me during our conversation, rather than focusing only on the computer screen. That simple but meaningful choice made me feel valued as a person, not just as a patient. She also patiently answered all of my questions and explained each part of the procedure. Patty even shared her personal confidence in the physician's skill and kindness, which gave me a greater sense of reassurance as I prepared for the procedure. Beyond the medical aspects, she took time to ask about my life and get to know me, building rapport in a way that went above and beyond typical care.
During the procedure, Patty was meticulous and compassionate. She carefully applied an anesthetic and thoroughly checked each area to ensure I would experience as little discomfort as possible. She described each step before it happened, helping me know what to expect and making me feel safe throughout the process. Afterward, she gently dressed each wound, explained how to care for the treated areas, and encouraged me to reach out if I had any concerns.
When I returned for suture removal, Patty greeted me warmly and kindly, once again showing that she valued not just my health, but also my time and who I am as a person. She removed the suture with gentleness and care, while also asking about my recovery, making the experience comfortable and reassuring.
To me, excellent healthcare should be the standard, but Patty exemplifies care that goes far beyond the standard; she elevates it. She is not only an asset to Sanford Healthcare, but to the entire nursing profession. Patty is the kind of nurse every patient hopes to meet: compassionate, skilled, attentive, and genuinely kind. She provides care in such a way that you don't just feel treated, you feel cared for-and that makes all the difference.
I will always remember the kindness, compassion, and warmth Patty showed me. Her care inspired me personally to want to be a better provider for others. Patty's spirit embodies the very values the DAISY Award was created to honor, and she is truly a model for what nursing is meant to be.
I hope Patty knows how deeply grateful I am for her care and how profoundly it has touched me.
From the very beginning, Patty made me feel seen and cared for. She listened attentively to my concerns and took the time to look directly at me during our conversation, rather than focusing only on the computer screen. That simple but meaningful choice made me feel valued as a person, not just as a patient. She also patiently answered all of my questions and explained each part of the procedure. Patty even shared her personal confidence in the physician's skill and kindness, which gave me a greater sense of reassurance as I prepared for the procedure. Beyond the medical aspects, she took time to ask about my life and get to know me, building rapport in a way that went above and beyond typical care.
During the procedure, Patty was meticulous and compassionate. She carefully applied an anesthetic and thoroughly checked each area to ensure I would experience as little discomfort as possible. She described each step before it happened, helping me know what to expect and making me feel safe throughout the process. Afterward, she gently dressed each wound, explained how to care for the treated areas, and encouraged me to reach out if I had any concerns.
When I returned for suture removal, Patty greeted me warmly and kindly, once again showing that she valued not just my health, but also my time and who I am as a person. She removed the suture with gentleness and care, while also asking about my recovery, making the experience comfortable and reassuring.
To me, excellent healthcare should be the standard, but Patty exemplifies care that goes far beyond the standard; she elevates it. She is not only an asset to Sanford Healthcare, but to the entire nursing profession. Patty is the kind of nurse every patient hopes to meet: compassionate, skilled, attentive, and genuinely kind. She provides care in such a way that you don't just feel treated, you feel cared for-and that makes all the difference.
I will always remember the kindness, compassion, and warmth Patty showed me. Her care inspired me personally to want to be a better provider for others. Patty's spirit embodies the very values the DAISY Award was created to honor, and she is truly a model for what nursing is meant to be.
I hope Patty knows how deeply grateful I am for her care and how profoundly it has touched me.