The little interactions and small gestures when you are the most nervous and vulnerable mean so much. Kaitlnn Houghton knew I was nervous and she took the time to draw me a picture of what the OR would look like and tell me step by step what to expect. She knew that knowing these little details would help with my nervousness. 

When she rolled me into the OR she introduced me to the staff that was in there. Everything moved very quickly, and I noticed my IV had blown so before the anesthesiologist could put me to sleep, he had to restart the IV. Kaitlynn sensed my nervousness because she took the time to comfort me in a way that truly made a difference. She was rubbing my right arm offering me a sense of calm and reassurance that I really needed in that moment but didn't even know it. 

Kaitlynn was one of the most kind, empathic, and caring RN's who has cared for me. She made me feel safe, cared for, and less alone during this vulnerable time. Kaitlynn didn't just treat me as a patient, she treated me as a person with feelings and that made all the difference in my experience. Kaitlynn exemplifies the type of RN who goes above and beyond to provide compassionate care. She meets all six criteria to win the Daisy Award: she provides exceptional patient care, she advocates for her patients, especially because surgical patients are asleep and can't advocate for themselves, she provides teamwork and collaboration between the OR team, doctors, and other staff. Kaitlynn shows leadership and commitment to excellence by wanting to improve and influence others. She also shows empathy and compassion and has one of the most positive attitudes of an RN I have ever seen.