I am nominating my mother's nurse, Sunshine, for the DAISY Award. While I am sure she is nominated quite often, I wanted to take this opportunity to share my family's story and the incredible positive impact on the quality of care we have received at St. Vincent through the years.

In late 2013, my mother was treated for a brain aneurysm, and Sunshine was among the day shift nurses who provided care. Post surgery, things became very complicated for my mother, and Sunshine took the time to explain procedures, a rapidly changing plan of care, and by giving every member of my family a personal mobile number, answered questions both on and off the clock during the day, at night, and on the weekends.

It is obvious that Sunshine is a very smart individual who takes great pride in this profession as a registered nurse.  When she didn't know the answer to a question, she wasn't afraid to admit it.  She always quickly followed with a promise to find that answer - and never failed.  Sunshine was exemplary in providing patient family care by being bold enough to explain whether or not my mother's condition was improving at a time when none of the other staff would do so.  I have never seen this before, but Sunshine made an enormous effort to get to know every member of our family as we all cycled through in holding vigil.  In the years that followed, during family holiday gatherings, we would discuss my mother's time, and Sunshine was always a topic of conversation. We all agreed the family wouldn't have made it through without the kindness and professionalism shown by her.

Fortunately, my mother had a successful recovery, and as soon as she was discharged from rehab, she made a beeline to thank the staff.  While there were many other talented nurses who provided care, it was Sunshine whom she wanted to see the most.  When my mother was conscious, Sunshine would spend as much time with my mother as possible while still providing high-quality care to other patients on the Unit.  They formed a unique bond.