‘Angel in disguise’: Quitman nurse awarded for exceptional care

QUITMAN, Texas ( KETK ) – A Quitman wound care nurse is being recognized for going above and beyond helping patients and fellow nurses alike.

Tracy Whinery was given a DAISY Award for outstanding patient care at UT Health Quitman. She was nominated by a colleague who explained how Whinery helped her while she was in need.

Jennifer Kennimer, an RN in the emergency department, said Whinery stepped in to help when Kennimer had a benign tumor removed from her arm, leaving a large hole once it was removed.

Whinery stepped in to help heal the wound, dressing it several times a week, applying a wound vacuum to help speed healing and providing instruction on nutrition, vitamins and supplements to help her body heal. Whinery also gave Kennimer her cell phone number, telling her to call at any time if she had a question.

“Some days I would be OK with all of it emotionally, other days I just cried and cried,” Kennimer said. “On those days, Tracy took special care of not just my wound, but also me as another human being who was suffering both physically and emotionally.”

Kennimer said Whinery is an “angel in disguise.”

“Tracy has such a calming spirit and an empathetic soul that by the time my dressing was finished, she would give me a hug, wipe my tears away and say, ‘Call me any time.’ I always left feeling hopeful and uplifted and in peace,” Kennimer added.

Within three months, the wound was healed.

As a DAISY Award winner, Whinery got a certificate, a pin and a sculpture called “A Healer’s Touch” hand carved by the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe.

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