Allow me to share my recent experience and 5-star recommendation. Get ready with your crying towel, because this is a love letter for UCSD Alvarado Hospital and more specifically, for my new favorite R.N. Haley Wilhelm. I had the pleasure of meeting Haley under some not so pleasant circumstances.

One day around 6:30pm, an attendant wheeled me into a hospital room where Haley introduced herself. After sitting in a hallway Stryker chair since noon, she was truly a breath of fresh air. Haley then advised me that she was off in thirty minutes. This statement usually translates to not bother me and good luck until the next shift comes on duty. Usually, but not today! Haley went the extra mile and beyond.

First, she inquired if I had been fed (I had not), so she phoned the nutrition department to get a late plate; then she contacted the pharmacy to insure I received some pain meds. Next, she contacted the physician's office to request a change in the pain meds. Haley then took the time to perform a blood sugar test; and even stayed around to introduce me to the next shift nurse. Despite being nearly an hour past the end of her 12-hour shift, Haley answered all my requests, questions, and concerns and was happy to do it. She finally left the floor around 8:00pm. Was I in an alternate universe?

It was not a fluke as the next morning, just after 7:00am, Haley returned with a smile and continued her fantastic mission. Haley will attentively listen and meet your needs. I started feeling better from the moment I met her. I was still in intense pain, but it was uplifting to know someone like Haley had your back. She always made me as comfortable as possible, while remaining professional and kind. I am profoundly grateful for her services.

Haley's compassion and congeniality starts with her patient, but it doesn't end there. It is clear that Haley also cares a lot about the people she works with. I witnessed nothing but positive interactions with her fellow employees. Haley greeted each and every one of the staff with heartfelt team spirit. She seemed eager to help her co-workers, and they gladly returned the favor. It was poetry in motion and a pleasure to behold.

As an Optometrist in the San Diego area for over 40 years, I have personally hired and supervised dozens of health care employees. It is a rare individual who, so early in their career, garners both the professional skills and the people's skills that define Haley. She has a great sense of humor and a really nice smile. Her enthusiastic spirit is definitely a plus; I always felt uplifted after conversing with her.

As I mentioned to Haley, I wish I could speak with her parents so I could tell them myself what a fantastic job they did! In fact, I recommend you set an extra place at the dinner table, because you'll want to bring Nurse Haley back home and share her with your family. The DAISY Award is somewhat unique as it honors a special member of an often forgotten but critical group in our society. I highly recommend Haley Wilhelm, R.N. for the DAISY Award for her kind bedside manner and personal concern for her patients' best interests. She was always so compassionate and so attentive towards every aspect of my hospital experience. She truly loves her career and the patients under her care. I can assure you with the utmost confidence that Haley is an absolute asset to your team and will serve as an example of excellence in her field.