I have known Caitlin for many years and have had the pleasure of watching her evolve her profession from CNA into an RN here at PeaceHealth. Every interaction I have with Caitlin I walk away more impressed with not only how she conducts herself with her patients and team members, but also with just how in love she is with what she does.
Caitlin exemplifies every quality that the DAISY Award stands for. The day that I reflect on her nomination was New Year's Eve. I had come to the CVICU to round on a patient that had been referred to hospice. The patient had just been extubated and was not anticipated to survive the day. Before I even got to the door I could hear Caitlin talking to this patient like he was her best friend or family member. She was offering him comfort and hope and reassurance.
Most of all, in this patient's most vulnerable time she stood by him and offered presence and compassion. This patient had no family present for support. I stayed with Caitlin until her patient passed away over an hour later. She worked tirelessly and with complete focus to ensure he was as comfortable and at peace as possible. She never stopped talking to him. When the medications weren't seeming to work she went and personally brought back the attending provider to evaluate his needs. She is a true patient advocate, an amazing nurse, and a shining star within PeaceHealth. Caitlin deserves recognition for her service, although she, being humble, would say that she was just doing her job. Nursing isn't her job it is clearly her passion.