Hyosook “Soozie” Kim, BSN, RN, works at Vanderbilt Endoscopy One Hundred Oaks. She is one of the latest Vanderbilt Health DAISY Award winners.
From the nomination
“In December 2023, I had my very first colonoscopy, I was 49 so a bit overdue. After the procedure was over, the doctor came to my recovery bay to let me know they had found two types of cancer, a neuroendocrine tumor and colon cancer. In January 2024, I had extensive surgery, and in March 2025, it was time for my first colonoscopy since the surgery.
“I was in the same bay as last time and I could feel my anxiety and worry taking over. Soozie came in to start getting me ready for the colonoscopy and the tears were just rolling down my face. She stopped the intake activity, put her hand on my arm and started speaking to me about how I was in the best place, in the best hands; that this was a new day and that we were going to be positive and hope for the best results. Those few minutes she took to help me, wiping away those anxious tears, her tender care of me and reassuring words, made such a difference in my care.
“I rolled back to the OR feeling like this was something I could face. That I WAS in the best place, and with the best people that were going to provide excellent care for me. I wish every patient who had a previous cancer journey could have her as a nurse. She was incredibly understanding and calming. Soozie was an exceptional nurse and such a valuable member of the team.”
About DAISY Awards
The DAISY Award is a recognition for extraordinary nurses who exemplify compassion toward patients and families.
Vanderbilt Health distributes the award in partnership with The DAISY Foundation, which was formed in 1999 to honor the memory of J. Patrick Barnes, a 33-year-old man who died of complications of the autoimmune disease Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP). Barnes’ family was moved by the care they received from his nurses and wanted to recognize them to preserve his memory. DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System.
Vanderbilt Health nurse committees determine the individual recipients. Previous recipients of the DAISY Award are here. The award is open to all licensed nurses, and anyone can nominate — including co-workers, patients and their families.
