In February of this year my wife suffered an illness that had her transferred from Greene Memorial Hospital to Kettering Medical Center for an emergency surgery. Most of all I would like to thank the nurses for her care and their kindness during a difficult time for me.

I would like to single out one nurse and nominate her for the DAISY Award. Kara Rourke, RN, MSICU. I would not have made it without her care and support. Kara and her new graduate nurse, showed excellent nursing skills, they exceeded in bedside manner and they extended their care to the entire family. Both my daughters are nurses, they recognized Kara's excellent skill and her nurturing manner through care of my wife and her preceptorship of the new graduate.

We never had to turn the call light on when Kara was there. She was in and out of room on a regular basis treating and checking on her patients.

My wife was alert and oriented and she recognized who took good care of her. Kara always explained what she was going to do and why she was going to do it. She gave her choices and bargained deals with her. She recognized what her patient's limits were and encouraged her to reach her goals but never pushed her past them. When many nurses didn't try to communicate with her because she couldn't speak (trach), Kara always included her in the conversation and asked her to make her own decisions.

Kara recognized when things were overwhelming for me, the patient's spouse, and gave me support when I needed it, she took the time to explain things to me. She knew I was very hard of hearing and would go out of her way to make sure I knew what the Doctor was saying. She let me cry when I needed to.

My wife left the MSICU for 3 weeks. When she returned it was to CCI at KMC. Kara found out we were there and stopped by to see us. The way my wife's face lit up when she saw Kara let me know her skill and caring meant a lot to her too.

My wife was then moved to the 5th floor and we were put into the situation of comfort measures only. This was an extremely difficult time for us. Kara continued to visit after her shift and gave all the comfort and support we needed.

My wife passed away. I know through the 3 months of care there were times I could not have carried on without the care and support Kara showed. Many nurses have excellent skills or a caring manner, I have seen these traits in my daughters and I have seen and felt them in Kara. She knows the importance of treating the patient medically, emotionally and including the family in the care.