I would like to nominate this nurse for the DAISY Award for the skill and compassion that she demonstrated in the care of my father last month. This nurse cared for my family and me during the most difficult and stressful week that we have ever experienced. My father spent 6 days in the unit following triple bypass surgery. The day after his surgery, my mother was admitted to Hinsdale and soon also transferred to the unit for increased respiratory needs.

During our 6 days there, Aimee embodied the AdventHealth Hinsdale mission to extend the healing ministry of Christ. She was my dad’s nurse for 4 shifts and walked beside us as his condition worsened and he eventually passed away. Throughout the experience, her clinical expertise was evident as she collaborated with the interdisciplinary team to ensure my dad received the best care. She was quick to notice slight changes in his status and advocated for adjustments to his medical needs while ensuring his physical comfort. Her care and compassion extended to our whole family. Her support was tangible from the moment I walked into the unit.

She recognized my need to understand every detail of my dad’s medical condition and took the time to explain each medication and monitored vital signs. She advocated for our physical, psychological, and spiritual needs by providing us with private space and time, coordinating meetings with medical providers, chaplains, and hospice services, and simply grabbing tissue or a glass of water when needed. I could just give her a look and she intuitively understood that I needed a private place to “hide” or someone to stand by me. She and the other nurses in the unit worked together to make sure my mom was able to visit my dad safely and comfortably, spend time with him, and hold his hand while he passed. I truly don't know how I would have coped without her support. I will be forever grateful and overwhelmed by the skill, care, and compassion she demonstrated throughout this experience!