Sue Rowe, a registered nurse who provides care in the recovery unit of St. Mary’s Outpatient Surgical Center, has received St. Mary’s DAISY Award for Nursing Excellence. She was nominated by the sister of a patient who became worried when the procedure turned out to be more complicated than expected.

“My sister got through surgery successfully, [but] it was much longer and more involved than the surgeon anticipated,” the patient’s sister wrote in Rowe’s award nomination. “Not only did she attentively care for my sister through the recovery process, she gingerly helped guide my niece, my mom, and myself in how we could best take care of my sister and what we could expect in the coming days and weeks.

“She was so thorough, attentive, and detailed in her discharge instructions,” the sister concluded. “She took all the worry away!”

“Sue has been a vital part of our team for nearly 17 years,” said Ann Gomes, director of Orthopedics and chair of St. Mary’s DAISY Committee. “Her nursing skills are exceptional, but that’s just the beginning. She is an excellent listener and communicator who takes the time to hear concerns and ease fears with dignity and respect for our patients and their loved ones. She provides care for the body, mind and spirit.”

A resident of Monroe, Rowe joined St. Mary’s in April 2008 as a weekend option nurse, then transferred to her current role in outpatient surgery in 2021.