Kathy Vardoulis, RN, did an extraordinary job taking care of my 89 year-old mother in the Messler Cardiothoracic unit on the 3rd floor La Vina. Mom came in by ambulance early Sunday, March 16th and stayed through March 18th. We were blessed to have Kathy be Mom's nurse all three days. My mother, sister, and I found her to be cheerful, knowledgeable, conscientious, and competent. What we especially liked was her approachability when we had questions. She was happy to spend time helping us better understand the doctor's technical explanation about my mother's heart condition.

Whether responding to a need, or anticipating one, Kathy went well beyond delivering excellent care in every way during Mother's stay at HMH. And, just prior to discharge, she explained things thoroughly and then did a "teach back" so she knew that Mom understood how to take care of herself once she got home.

In addition to giving excellent care at the bedside, she was a "Super User", who was prepared to help others with Cerner should they need assistance. By the 16th of March I believe she had been on the floor every day except perhaps one or two since Cerner went live March 1st.

Kathy loves what she does and it shows. This Magnet Hospital would be proud to have her hold up a sign saying, "I am Huntington Hospital".