It wasn't the fact that she was always there whenever I needed her, or the fact that I loved listening to her beautiful lifting accent, or even that she treated me with the utmost kindness and respect. During a 27 day stay at Magee Women's Hospital in Pittsburgh PA, Patricia Hari, one of my many wonderful Nurses there, was a lifeline to my health, SELF and serenity. It is a gross understatement to simply say that Pat is an excellent nurse. She was very good at what she does as a whole, but she also knows people.
Pat always seemed to appear at the right time and have the right words. If I was frustrated or irritated or sad and overwhelmed, she was a calming force that figuratively took me by the hand and led me to a better place emotionally. When I hadn't eaten in four days due to a combination of meds and pain, she looked me directly in the face and gently, but firmly, told me that I needed to keep my strength up and that she would like to know what I had ordered from the menu when she returned to my room. Although Pat is my junior by not just a few years, I felt as though my mother had lovingly told me to eat my vegetables.
Pat gave me guidance on taking my pain meds, coached me through the indignities and necessities of using a bedpan, inquired about my progress with physical therapy, encouraging me through anything I faced. Did she choose me for preferential treatment? I think not. I don't doubt that she treats all her patients with the same loving compassionate care that she gave me.
It has been a few months since I left Magee Women's Hospital. I miss Pat a lot. She made me feel safe. I wept the day I had to leave her care and she, in kind, wept at my tears. I truly hope you will consider Patricia Hari for The DAISY Award. I sincerely believe that she earns the distinction of an exemplary care nurse every day of her life and her career.