I would like to nominate Mary Quattrochi for the DAISY Award. The morning I was admitted to 3 West, I was in very rough shape. I was unable to open my eyes or speak much. I needed help moving, and the sound and light were excruciating. The fear factor was high as I had never been hospitalized for an illness and did not know what to expect. I was fortunate to have Mary as my nurse. She was the right person to calm an emotional storm and was a continued source of peace and excellent nursing for the several days that I was in her care.

In addition to excellent medical knowledge and nursing skills, Mary spent a lot of time working with me on breathing techniques to help with the anxiety of a complex illness and the seemingly endless line of doctors and other support staff entering my room and suggesting some unsettling treatments and procedures. It was a lot. Since my condition also greatly affected my hearing and eyesight, communication was difficult to say the least. Mary made sure to speak slowly and clearly, making sure I understood everything that was being said and done. This was huge in easing my anxiety around the situation and moving my recovery forward.

Mary's calm kindness is her superpower. If the cannons were firing and the walls were crumbling, so to speak, Mary would tend to her patients with calmness, passing her soothing vibes over to them, ensuring they felt cared about and safe in body and spirit. This gift should not be overlooked. It cannot be learned, and those who possess it in the medical field are special healers. I believe it is easy for nurses like Mary to fly under the radar. I hope you see her and the rarity of her skills. It isn't always easy to put into words the positive impact on healing that comes from a quieter story of an amazing nurse like Mary, so I hope I have done her justice.