"Super Human" is the perfect way to describe Katie! She is an extraordinary nurse and one of the kindest, most genuine people I have ever met! She goes above and beyond to express love and happiness and welcoming and caring for every patient and family. She has often bought gifts for patients who are getting their port removed or cake from the cafeteria to celebrate a patient's birthday. She advocates for her patients and their families and ensures that they have the best care possible. She spends quality time with her patients and their families. I feel her patients are in the arms of an angel. She is truly a special and dedicated nurse.
*****
Kind, Awesome, Talented, Involved Employee
She goes above and beyond caring and giving to patients, family, friends and our department.
*****
She is the nurse I would want to take care of my loved ones. When she is taking care of a patient you know without a doubt that not only the patient, but their family, friends, and visitors will receive beyond exceptional, compassionate care. When Katie is taking care of a patient, she understands that the person lying in that bed is someone's mother, father, daughter, son, etc. They aren't just a number, but someone's entire world lying in that bed.
Every day, she comes to work positive, energetic and with a smile on her face. Just the other day, a patient returned from surgery and the only thing they wanted was a Coca Cola. Our unit is only stocked with Pepsi products, but within minutes, she had a Coca Cola for the patient. I know it doesn't sound like much but it meant the world to the patient.
She always makes sure the needs of the patients' families and visitors are met as well. Just the other day, there was an elderly gentleman who had been here all day waiting on his wife to recuperate after surgery. She was concerned about him being here all day and not eating enough. Our unit was out of boxed lunches so she checked with other units for lunches. When they didn't have any to spare, she went down to the cafeteria and got the elderly gentleman something to eat. This is just one of the many times that she has taken it upon herself to ensure patient family needs are met.
I have also seen her advocate for patients when they voiced concerns regarding pain control or nausea control after a procedure or surgery. There have been circumstances when the physician thought the patient had pain/nausea medications already at home or the physician did not think that a patient would need a prescription for pain or nausea control. She could easily just say that the physician didn't prescribe anything but she reaches out to the physician, voices the patient's concerns and advocates for the patient when they are unable to do so themselves.
She is an exceptional nurse to her coworkers and their families as well. Recently, we had a co-worker pass away. Now, a lot of individuals might shy away from visiting a sick co-worker because it can be difficult and uncomfortable to see someone you care about sick and dying. However, she went to the hospital, kept her company, and even washed her hair. She stayed with her so that the family felt comfortable enough to go home and shower and at least get to change their clothes. After our friend passed away, she cooked meals for the family for months and organized coworkers at the hospital to bring in food and gift cards for the family. She even went to their house and cut their grass and did their landscaping throughout the summer. She has also helped out with babysitting their granddaughter in times of need. Soon after our friend passed away, her husband was hospitalized and needed surgery. She was there to check on him and ensure he had the assistance he needed at home.
These examples don't even hold a candle to describing the person we have the privilege to work with each day. She is the most caring, compassionate, exceptional nurse that you will ever encounter. I strongly believe that if any nurse deserves the DAISY Award, it should be her.
*****
Katie exemplifies the superhuman work done by nurses every day. We have recently gone through many losses in the department, a son, a husband, a mother, fathers, and also two nurses. She is always willing to come in early and stay late to help her fellow team members to ultimately take care of our patients, families, and team members. She willingly picks up extra time and is collecting money and arranging meals for families in need.
She is always present and aware of the needs of her patients and is a true advocate for all; she addresses their needs daily ensuring that they have prescriptions and answers their questions. Her superhuman work is also recognized by doctors. One doctor recently sent her an appreciation station for the excellent care her patients receive from this nurse. There is not a day that goes by that she doesn't touch our team and patients and families we serve.
*****
She takes care of every patient as if they were her family. She treats every patient with compassion and caring. On one occasion, a patient had a port placed prior to chemo treatment. The patient was in tears and extremely upset. She answered all her questions and told her about a friend who had gone through similar treatment. The patient left feeling much better. She has respect for her coworkers. She helps out with patient care, stocking, cleaning—whatever she can do to make sure the unit runs smoothly. Recently, one of the unit RNs was terminal with melanoma. She went to her room, helped her bathe and washed her hair. I knew it was an extreme relief to this nurse to have one of her unit RNs help.