I was a surgery patient at Rush University Hospital. I must say that I had a great experience and felt well cared for by the entire team. When surgery was scheduled, I was informed that I would stay overnight. Before my surgery, my surgeon gave me the option to go home if I felt well enough which I chose to do.

Hannah was my nurse when I woke up in recovery and helped to prepare me to go home. She was very attentive and provided care so effortlessly. She made sure I was comfortable, asked many times if I needed anything, explained about my surgery, explained my current status and what to expect. She made sure that I wanted to go home and proceeded to make arrangements with my family. She was aware that I lived 2 hours from the hospital and it would be fairly late in the evening when I arrived home so she made sure I had the needed supplies to get me through. I could go on and on. I'm sure these are all things that every nurse does or should do, but Hannah does it in such an empathetic and compassionate manner that it was truly moving to me. She displays her knowledge effectively with kindness and understanding to make sure every need is met. I felt informed and well cared for. The time had come and the wheelchair had arrived to pick me up. I said my thank you's and goodbyes and was whisked off to head for home. I knew then and there that I had to write and tell you of the absolute gem you have in her!

I'm wheeled down to the vestibule where the valet parking is. My daughter has not arrived yet, and I told the gentlemen who brought me down that he did not have to stay with me. I was safe inside the vestibule and there was another patient or two waiting but they had companions with them. I'm not sure how long it was but I would guess 5-10 minutes and I hear, "What are you still doing here?" It was Hannah. She said I shouldn't be alone and she was going to bring me back upstairs.

I did not want that. I told her I was fine and that my daughter would arrive soon, I was sure she was stuck in traffic. She stayed with me. She wouldn't hear of it, continuing on her way home until my daughter arrived. We chatted about her and she told me she had lived in the suburbs and had recently moved to the city to be closer to work. She loves what she does and she was grateful to not have such a long commute. It was starting to get dark and I again told her to please go, I did not want her to walk/take train in the dark. She was firm. My daughter arrived and pulled up to the 1st vestibule (we were in the 2nd). Hannah wheeled me out and helped me get loaded into the car. Again she asked if I was ok or if I needed anything. I thanked her again and said goodbye. She wheeled the wheelchair back into the building.

We pulled out into traffic as I watched Hannah cross the street. I told my daughter how everything went and then had a long, quiet car ride home. A few days later, I mentioned to my daughter that I wanted to write a note about Hannah. My daughter tells me that what seemed like a few minutes to me, was really about 45 minutes that Hannah had stayed with me. She went above and beyond without a care if anyone noticed or not.

Please know above all else, that you have an exceptional person in your employee! She is an outstanding Nurse and if she could teach her "people skills" to your staff, would be an outstanding educator!

I would be thrilled and honored if you would present the DAISY Award to Hannah. I am so grateful for her care.