In late September of last year, I was a patient at Medical City Heart Hospital, where I received open-heart surgery and recovered over the course of several days. The care was exemplary from every physician, nurse, and staff member I encountered. But one nurse – Carol Monaghan, RN, from your ICU – deserves special recognition. Many of my memories of my post-surgery stay in the ICU are hazy. But I remember Carol’s offer to stay there with me my first night there, even transferring her work from the nurse’s station to my room in order to stay close to me. I remember her comforting presence when I was struggling to talk and breathe. I remember her massaging a pain out of my shoulder for what seemed a very long time when I’m sure there were other things she would rather have been doing. And I remember being sad when I was transferred downstairs without the opportunity to tell her goodbye – and I remember being delighted when she came down to personally see me off and give me that opportunity.

After 40 years working in healthcare, I feel as qualified as anyone to identify compassionate care that goes above and beyond. In my opinion, Carol is what all caregivers should aspire to be. I am also a New Orleans native and next week, I’m going to engage in my annual tradition of riding in a Mardi Gras parade – an opportunity to do something I love, in the city I love, with the people I love. And I don’t think I’d have that opportunity if not for Carol and the wonderful team at Medical City Heart Hospital. Please help me recognize her extraordinary care and compassion as a DAISY Nurse.  It would be an honor to return to Medical City and help celebrate the recognition with her.