I was in a 'fog' during most of my stay at UNMH, and it wasn't until my return home that I actually began to grasp the full scope of my surgery and treatment there. In the weeks following, I reviewed my medical reports on the "Patient Portal" and had numerous discussions regarding my hospital care with my husband and daughters during the weeks following. I remember a 'head nurse' stopped by my room one day and mentioned the "DAISY Award", however I was not prepared to name anyone at that time.

Now, after understanding more fully about my stay - through reports and family discussions - I realize what an asset . . . a "gem" that my nurse, Karen, was to my recovery. From what I understand now, Karen tended to me on my 'worst' days . . . days that I don't remember or only vaguely remember. I'm told that she was with me when I arrived Thursday by helicopter; the following day (Friday) when my husband was able to visit, I remember very little; and again the day of my surgery, I don't remember 'seeing' anyone, but I do remember a nurse (Karen) and my husband trying to make me comfortable in bed with an aching hip.

Although I may not remember a lot about Karen's initial care, my husband and daughters could not say enough good things about her and appreciated her very much. And, I might add that one of my daughters is a nurse practitioner at the VA Hospital in Seattle so she probably held Karen to a higher standard. I did have the opportunity to interact with Karen later in my stay when some of my 'fog' had lifted and she was quite pleasant, personable, and attentive to my needs.