On January 22nd, 2015 we honored Bozeman Deaconess Hospital nurse Pat O'Brien with the Daisy Award. Pat is a RN, BSN, CWOCN, clinical coordinator at the Bozeman Deaconess Wound Clinic. In 2009, Pat was named Outstanding Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurse by the Northwest Region of the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses' Society. O'Brien completed training at Washington University Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO, and has been a certified wound, ostomy and continence nurse (CWOCN) since 1980. She has over 32 years in nursing and wound care experience, and has been an education department leader, home care director and patient care advocate. O'Brien first joined the staff at Bozeman Deaconess Hospital in 1973 and served as clinical coordinator of the Wound Clinic since it opened in 2005. She was recipient of the "Women Who Make a Difference United Way Award" and the Montana Nurses' Association has recognized her for its "State Nursing Education Award" and "Mary Munger Award."

Pat received numerous nominations from both patients and co-workers alike. Pat was recognized for her care by a patient who went to her for her feeding tube and in Pat she found not only a nurse, but a loving friend and mentor. A story was told of how Pat assisted a young man who had suffered severe burns. Pat not only changed his dressings but taught him how to change them and how to have confidence in caring for himself. Pat is a household name in the Gallatin Valley. She has taken patient care to a whole new level by taking the time to counsel patients emotionally through their injuries, help them financially afford equipment such as wound VACs, and teach them how to do their own care in little steps so they feel safe and know that they can turn to her at any time. As we read through Pat's nominations over and over again, Pat was described as excellent, as exceptional, and caring.