My surgery and 3-day stay at St. Vincent Women's hospital was made fabulous by one of my nurses, Kathy Zimmerman, whom I had the good fortune of being assigned to me 2 of those 3 days. As a male patient at St. V "Women's" I expected to be a bit of an oddity, and likely I was "odd". However I was made to feel very special by Kathy and never ever felt like I was "just another patient." As I observed and got to know Kathy and her colleagues better, I realized that Kathy treated everyone as "Special". Her cheerful confidence and consummate professionalism gave me confidence that that I was safe and in good hands. She sensed my worry, despite trying to hide it, and provided education, humor and tender care. I appreciated her knack for bringing calm to me and my room, and her thinking two or three steps ahead of what I needed before I even realized it. Being a seasoned veteran nurse, I also witnessed her ability to tend to my needs, while answering questions for other nurses who sought her out. All of this gave me a solid sense that I was safe and in the perfect place for healing.

During those days I learned that not only was she dedicated to St. Vincent's, but in her off days she provided care and volunteer hours in shelters for battered women, as well as baby sitting for her grandchildren. It seemed to fit that she would also be so dedicated to serving out in the community as she does within the hospital! I also appreciated her kind sense of humor, and patience for me as I asked the same questions multiple times due to the effect of anesthesia and medications - with her never showing any sign of impatience or frustration.

I learned Kathy will be retiring within the year. Her departure will surely leave a void, however having seen her in action, and serving as a perfect nurse role model, I'm confident her colleagues will emulate her style, grace, compassion and professionalism long after she's gone. She is a real treasure and deserving of your DAISY Award.

Thank you for having her on my care team. Your entire organization at Women's is excellent! I could not have been in better hands anywhere.