Congratulations Sommer Kuhn for excellence in nursing. Sommer was honored by her nursing colleagues with a surprise visit to F4/4 for demonstrating remarkable care and extraordinary compassion for patients and their families.

Sommer received the following nomination from a patient who had this to say about the remarkable care she provided:

My pleasant afternoon walk was suddenly cut short by a nasty fall on an uneven sidewalk. After a hectic stay in the ER, I found myself whisked away to a hospital room. I was helpless, apprehensive, vulnerable, and in a great deal of pain. Much to my surprise, that fear and anxiety was met with immediate attention, empathy, and kindness from a wonderful nurse. Sommer was not only professional and knowledgeable, but she also seemed to instinctively know precisely what words and actions were necessary and appropriate to help her patient mentally as well as medically. Her empathy, care, and compassion were evident in every interaction. One small example of her kindness was the simple act of suggesting “aromatherapy” to help with my persistent nausea. She put peppermint oil on cotton balls which actually helped me to feel calm and comforted in addition to soothing the nausea. The pleasant smell lingered for a long time and continuously reminded me of her thoughtfulness.
Sommer exemplifies the overall excellent care I received at UW Hospital. Sommer holds a special place in my heart. She will not be forgotten.