I was admitted to Saint Luke's East Hospital for orthopedic surgery on my lower right leg.  The surgery went well, and I was returned to my room.  Shortly after I arrived in my room, I had the pleasure of meeting my primary nurse, RN Wendy Nyhus. She immediately impressed me as a medical professional who places the comfort and well-being of her patients above all else. I am an 85-year-old man who has had numerous stays in hospitals during those 85 years. Wendy is clearly the best nurse that I have ever had!  She very thoroughly explained what my surgery had entailed and what to expect during my recovery.  She attended to my every need from the time I first met her until I was discharged.  As I was leaving, I told Wendy how much I appreciated the friendly, beyond-the-call-of-duty care that she had provided.  I told her that I wanted to write a special thank-you note to officially thank her for the truly outstanding service.  Either Wendy or someone else, during the process, gave me a copy of "The DAISY Award" form, which I unfortunately misplaced during the long recuperation period at my daughter's home following my discharge. Many months later, I visited a neighbor who was a patient at Saint Luke's East; on the way out of the hospital, a volunteer greeter gave me another copy of the form.   
 
Here is just one example of the compassionate care that Wendy provided during my hospital stay: 
      
On the second night of my stay in the hospital, I awoke in the middle of the night and found myself suffering from claustrophobia.  I just knew that I had to get out of that room!  I rang for help, and the person who responded informed me that I just had to accept the fact that I was in the hospital and assured me that I was OK.  Sometime later, with my anxiety even worse, I again rang for help.  This time, when the attendant came, I asked if there was any possibility that I might talk with Wendy.  Within a few minutes, my "Angel of Mercy" Wendy appeared.  I asked if she would allow me to just sit in a wheelchair in the hallway.  Shortly thereafter, Wendy appeared in my room with a wheelchair.  She helped me get into the chair and out of the door.  I was "free" from my cage!!  I sat for a while and then propelled myself up and down the hallway and around the nurses' station several times.  Finally, having used up some pent-up energy and feeling loved and cared about, I returned to my room and peacefully spent the rest of the night.   
 
I have often wondered whether Wendy went beyond the limits when she honored my plea for mercy.  I hope not.  I interpreted her action as her way of going "that extra mile" to care for her patient.  Thank you, Wendy!  The patients at Saint Luke's East who have the good fortune of being under your care are truly blessed.  The management of Saint Luke's East is blessed to have nurses of your character to care for the patients and help them return to a healthy, daily life.   

 Again, thank you, and may God bless you, Wendy Nyhus.