On April 4, 2013, my 10 year old son was referred to Children's by his pediatrician to be tested for pertussis. The pediatrician spoke to individuals at Children's Hospital and instructed us to go directly to Children's for testing even though it was approximately 5:30PM.

Upon arrival at Admissions at Children's at approximately 6:10PM, we were advised that the lab was closed and the testing could not take place. Several phone calls were exchanged between Children's representatives and the pediatrician. At approximately 7:15PM, my son and I left the Admissions area en route to the Emergency Room area in hopes that someone could assist us. While en route there, Donna Knipp, ER Nurse, overheard my son and me speaking that we were looking for someone to help us with the required testing. Knipp obtained some basic information and directed us to the ER. Even though, the ER was unable to help when we arrived.

Shortly thereafter, Nurse Knipp found us outside of the ER area and advised she would be able to help us with the testing. At approximately the same time, the pediatrician was able to secure assistance from the swat nurse. Nurse Knipp continued to assist us and escort us to a room in the ER for testing. She then assisted the other nurses with required supplies.

During the nearly two hours my son and I were at Children's Nurse Knipp was the one person who helped us; she went above and beyond to assist us in a very stressful time. My son had been sick for about 3 weeks, we were unexpectedly sent to Children's Hospital late in the evening. Nurse Knipp provided exceptional care beyond being a nurse by asking us what was wrong in the hallway, obtaining information, and then actually tracking us down to assist with the testing. We wish to commend Nurse Knipp for her professionalism and outright concern for children in the hospital; she made a stressful time much calmer.