My 19-month-old son underwent an unexpected surgery, throwing our family into a whirlwind of fear and uncertainty. As a Duke nurse myself, I knew this surgery was common and minimal. But as a mom, it was daunting and filled me with anxiety.

My son's case was a 5 pm add-on. I was worried the nurses would be ready to go home and not have the time or attention for me and my son. And then, amidst the chaos, in walks Kimberly. As my son's PACU nurse, Kimberly displayed an unparalleled level of compassion and professionalism. She not only tended to my son's every need, but she also made sure I was taken care of. In this moment, she truly embodied "Family Centered Care." She calmed my fears, offering words of encouragement, personal stories, and understanding that eased my anxieties. And for the first time since we were admitted, I truly believed that maybe, just maybe, things were going to be okay. But what truly set Kimberly apart was her engagement with my son.

Despite the last-minute add-on, Kimberly transformed our PACU room into my son's own personal playground, engaging him with a piano toy, coloring books, and other fun toys. I will never forget the heartwarming sight of Kimberly, down on her knees, playing with my son, her genuine smile lighting up the room. In addition to her compassion, Kimberly had an amazing sense of humor that helped alleviate the tension of the situation. Amidst my son's struggle on heavy-duty antibiotics, Kimberly lightened the mood with a playful joke: "One of us is so excited we just pooped ourselves...it may have been me!" This moment brought laughter but also showcased Kimberly's ability to empathize with our struggles, even among the chaos. She immediately got us diapers, wipes, and purple pads. And never made it feel like an inconvenience.

It is abundantly clear that Kimberly is not just a nurse; she is a seasoned professional who embodies the core values of Duke Nursing: empathy, integrity, and excellence. Despite the challenges and demands of the nursing profession, she consistently goes above and beyond to ensure the well-being and comfort of her patients and their families. In an industry where burnout is high, Kimberly stands as a shining example of resilience and dedication. Her commitment to her patients, coupled with her compassionate spirit and professionalism, makes her a true DAISY Nurse. I am sure her team and supervisors know how much of an asset she is to Duke. She stands as an example for all other nurses. Her care has left an indelible mark on my family, and I have no doubt she will continue to touch the lives of countless families to come.

Thank you, Kim, for taking care of my son. Although I will never be able to repay you for your comfort, I hope you know that you truly transformed what was such a scary moment for me into reassurance and peace.