Sue Martin, a registered nurse providing bedside care on the Medical/Surgical Unit at St. Mary’s Good Samaritan Hospital, has received the hospital’s
first DAISY Award for Nursing Excellence. She was nominated by the daughters of a patient whose outlook on recovery was changed by Martin’s care.

“I saw firsthand how every staff member treated him with calmness and
kindness,” one daughter wrote. “Sue stood out above all. She took time to
listen to my dad’s concerns even while rushing between patients. She
found common ground with him (they talked about ‘picking’ – buying and
selling antiques) – and used that connection to brighten his spirits. Her care
felt personal and heartfelt, not just excellent nursing, but real human
kindness.”

On one occasion, the other daughter writes, “Nurse Sue surprised us all by
pulling a harmonica from her pocket and playing a sweet song for him. In
that moment, we truly believe she helped our dad turn a psychological
corner. We saw a sense of calm and peace on his face that had not been there before. From that moment on, our dad seemed more optimistic and determined to heal.

“He and our family felt truly blessed to be surrounded by such compassionate and dedicated healthcare workers during that time,” she concludes. Martin is a resident of Lexington. She joined St. Mary’s Good Samaritan Hospital in November 2020.