I’m sincerely excited to nominate one of the most exceptional nurses I have come in my over 2 years of hospital stays at UChicago Medicine. This exceptionally compassionate and professionally knowledgeable nurse is Stefanie Goers! It is important to note that in the past 2 years, I have spent a total of 2 months in the hospital over which time I felt that most all nurses were of the highest standard. But during my last stay, I have come to recognize that Stefani surpassed all others.

Stefanie was responsible for training me and my partner on how to maintain my new (device), once released from the hospital. Her hands-on and repetitive instructional style and patience gave us the confidence and security of knowing that we could leave the hospital and be able to go home and take over a procedure that was quite foreign and frightening and survive another long period of adjustment. Stefanie not only demonstrated compassion for me but also for my family members when they were visiting me. She brought in her own educational books that helped guide and encourage me with my new device.

Finally, on the last day, I was determined to prepare little packets of gifts and personalized notes for the many wonderful nurses, aides, food-service workers, and housekeepers who cared for me during these two weeks. Stefanie, during her busy day, found time to come in and assist me and eventually told me that she would take over this task and make sure that all the individuals would receive my small token of thanks.