The entire experience of surgery from a patient’s perspective has the potential to be quite traumatic, even for something as simple as arthroscopic knee surgery. I awoke from general anesthesia in the recovery room to the gentle and quietly smiling face of Nurse Sally Young. That smile and the immediate positive reassurance it conveyed to me spoke volumes and quickly set me at ease. Clearly, Nurse Sally had a complex job to perform; constantly checking vitals, pain management, writing computer entries, and visually and orally assessing my physical condition. She was so subtle with assessments and her conduct of these duties, that I felt like I was sitting and quietly talking with an old friend. Sally was quick to read my facial expressions and determine that I was actually in pain, while not being cognizant enough to verbalize that to her. Her compassion, warm conversation, and pleasant demeanor got us quickly through the hour or so of post op recovery, and soon I was ready for the next stage. I was moved out of recovery and into the reunion area with my wife for final review and discharge. Sally took the time to come over, meet my wife and assure her that I had done well and had great prospects for recovery. Sally truly went the extra mile. In my long lifetime, I have undergone over 15 colonoscopies and at least five surgeries requiring general anesthesia. I have never had a recovery room interaction so pleasant and such a boost to healing than the experience with Nurse Sally. For an hour or so, I was a real person to her, not a number. Nurse Sally truly exemplifies all the hard work ethic and wonderful patient skills that one expects in the healthcare field. She is a role model for all and epitomizes the caring and contributions of a dedicated professional. Through her actions, she has earned the recognition of The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses.