I will never forget her kindness

Pat is an exceptional nurse. She went above and beyond during one of the most vulnerable times of my life - the days after my son was born.

From the moment I met Pat, she brought warmth, compassion and an incredible sense of calm into the room. While her clinical care was excellent, what truly stood out was her emotional support. She didn't just care for me as a patient - she cared for me as a person, as a brand-new mother trying to find her footing in the whirlwind of postpartum recovery.

Pat instinctively knew when I needed a moment to cry, when I needed a gentle nudge to take care of myself, and when I just needed someone to listen. She helped me navigate the ups and downs of postpartum hormones with grace, never making me feel judged or overwhelmed. In many ways, Pat stepped into a role that felt more like a mom than a nurse - guiding me, comforting me, and reminding me that I was doing a good job even when I doubted myself.

Her presence made all the difference in those early days, and I'll never forget her kindness. Pat is a kind of nurse who leaves a lasting mark. I am now 5 months post-partum and still am choking up thinking about how exceptional she was.

Pat Olin is a labor & delivery nurse at the Bronson BirthPlace in Battle Creek. She is a recipient of the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. To nominate a Bronson nurse for the award, visit bronsonthankanurse.com.