Caitlyn is a Senior Nurse in the Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU) and often works as the Code Nurse, Charge Nurse, and preceptor to new nurses. She is always helpful, smart, compassionate and willing to go the extra mile for her patients and coworkers. I did see an excellent example of Caitlyn's dedicated work ethic this past weekend. Caitlyn had been taking care of a young 21-year-old patient. She had given birth via C-Section the previous week, but due to serious complication she had been sent to the MICU and her infant had been sent to the NICU. The patient had been too critical to leave the unit to see her baby, and she had not seen her since the birth. On the third day in a row with this patient Caitlyn noted that the patient was stable enough to leave the unit for a visit to the NICU. She called the baby's NICU nurse and they agreed on a time for the patient to visit during the baby's feeding. (Due to complications the patient was unable to provide breast milk).
At the appointed time, Caitlyn transferred her patient to a wheelchair, which was a monumental effort, for both the patient and Caitlyn. She attached the patient to the portable monitor, and with the assistance of a transporter, wheeled the patient from the MICU to the NICU. The patient was able to properly hold her baby for the first time, feed her and participate in her care. Caitlyn sat with the patient and her baby in the NICU for over an hour. After the visit the patient had the biggest smile on her face, and her attitude, motivation and mood were significantly better.
Caitlyn took the time and effort to help her patient be a mother to her child. For this and all the other times Caitlyn has been an exemplary nurse and coworker I am nominating her for the DAISY Award.