I am a critical care nurse at NYP-WC. In the 5+ years I've worked with Christine, her compassion for others is unsurpassed. Each and every patient cared for by Christine, is fortunate to have her as a nurse. However throughout the years, her dedication to one specific patient, who unfortunately passed last year, merits her the honor of receiving The DAISY Award.
As a new graduate, Christine started her career on 4 North and had the privilege of working with many complex heart failure patients, who have been cared for by the staff for several years. In my career, I have been lucky to have developed a great rapport with several of these patients, but none ever came close to the relationship Christine had with one particular patient. K had a long history on 4 North and was well known and cared for by all of the staff, but I think Christine really demonstrates the values and ideals of what the nursing profession is about. Selfless dedication to improving the patient's experience, being a role model and advocate for others, and going above and beyond to help those in need. Christine embodies all of these qualities- especially when it came to K.
K unfortunately had developed end stage heart failure at a young age and passed in 2016, with numerous admissions to 4 North throughout the years. During each admission, Christine was always determined to brighten his day. His case was frequently followed by social work as K was less fortunate than others, but when he was at NYP he was treated like family, especially by Christine.
I remember as a new nurse, working one night and having Christine come in during my shift to let me know that K was going to be admitted in the morning. She gave me some money to buy K's favorite cookies from Au Bon Pain; so he may have them upon arrival. I thought to myself that these small gestures are the things that made me proud to be working alongside my colleagues at NYP. This act was just a tiny incident of the selflessness demonstrated by Christine; as I can name many more times she brightened the lives of others. However with K, Christine really dedicated herself to making his life better.
Residing close to the hospital, she would often visit K on her personal time or stay late past her shift to keep him company. K had a childhood and adulthood less fortunate than most, but was resilient during times of illness; and it was apparent that the care provided at NYP made a difference in his life! A lot of it was because of Christine.
During his long-term hospitalizations, she did things to help K pass his time, such as creating artwork, which he really enjoyed. I would often see Christine come in on her days off and provide materials so that his trying times could lead to a brighter day. K had no family outside of NYP, but his family on 4N and advocacy by staff like Christine, make me feel confident that his life was enriched in several ways, even up until the time of his passing.
The above is just a glimpse of why Christine Karch is more than deserving of The DAISY Award. She is nothing short of Amazing, and it is apparent the impact she has on those who come through our doors at NYP, is nothing short of amazing as well.