I wanted to recognize and put this special nurse up on the pedestal for her commitment to make a difference. Her name is Kathy and has been a nurse for 44 years. She worked in CCU for 20 years, 18 years in Emergency Department and at present in Short Stay Surgery, Pre Admission, and takes calls in PACU. We met when she transferred to Short Stay Surgery where I work. She was on orientation that day when we worked together. I came to work not feeling well with a headache and feeling nauseous. That afternoon, my headache became severe accompanied by projectile vomiting. After discharging all our patients, she immediately told me to sit in a wheelchair and took me to the Emergency Room. I was hesitant at first but eventually agreed when she said, “you do not look good.” She stayed with me the entire time because I could not get ahold of my husband. The only thing I remember that night was “brain tumor” and “brain shift.” After my brain surgery, the Neurosurgeon told me that if I waited longer that night, I would have been comatose. Kathy’s quick-thinking, knowledge, compassion, empathy, and dedication to her profession saved my life. I was lucky and blessed to be working with her that night. Kathy always gives her patients including co-workers her full attention and consideration, always looking out for the best way to do things. She is kind, thoughtful, and very thorough. Central Florida Regional Hospital is fortunate to have an amazing staff nurse like Kathy.

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My mother gave me this endorsement to type because, to be frank, it would take her a day at best to compose the entire message. I was taken aback while typing: I did not know how crucial Kathy was in saving my mom's life. And thinking back from today, coming back from my parent's house I just don't know where I'd be without my mom. Even as a 28-year-old hardened man, those days of her in the hospital still bring me on the verge of tears. Without Kathy, my mom would've missed my sister's wedding. She would've missed my college graduation. Most importantly, she would've missed me getting my first girlfriend. I've come to that age where spending time with my parents has become a precious commodity. I am so thankful for every moment I have to spend with both of them and thankful for Kathy for saving my mom and allowing me to continue to have those moments.