My dad was scheduled for surgery on the Friday before Easter. As a result, he didn't eat since the night before. Due to an emergency, as well as other complications, he was delayed multiple times for his surgery. Our nurse, Casey, had to be the "bearer of bad tidings" to come in to tell us he was delayed again; and then again; and then again. During our discussions with her, we somehow got on the topic of root beer floats. My dad commented on how that would be great to have one, especially after not having eaten all day. Dad finally went down for surgery at about 7 pm. Casey was off at 7 and off for the weekend so we wished her a Happy Easter as we wouldn't see her when we returned, or over the weekend. When my dad got back to his room around 9 pm not only was his dinner there, but there was also a small vanilla ice cream and a bottle of root beer waiting for him.
Dad was on the 5th floor. None of the vending machines on the floor have root beer. The only place that sells root beer is in the cafeteria which is on the ground floor of the building! My dad was in heaven drinking that root beer float.
Casey left a note for him that said "It was GREAT taking care of you! I hope you enjoy your root beer float! Have a great night!" She then came back and added to the note, "Get your sugar level checked BEFORE you start drinking!" That was so off the charts above and beyond, but there is still one more reason for this nomination.
Earlier that day Casey started out the day rough as she accidentally overslept and was a bit late getting in. A tough way to start the day. At lunchtime, she was out, and her car died, and she couldn't get it started and had to leave it to deal with it later. So, on a day when you are having your own personal issues to cause you to have a bad day, she went out of her way to do something extra nice for my dad.
Thank you, Casey, and thank you St. Vincent for having nurses like Casey!