The Intensive Care Unit honors our beloved Carolyn Shaw, RN with the DAISY Award, posthumously. She has made significant contributions to the lives of our patients, their families, the community and her colleagues, all of whom have been blessed by her "passion for compassion" and extraordinary presence.
Carolyn worked for Harrison Medical Center since 2003, shortly after retiring from a distinguished career as a Lieutenant Commander in the Navy Nurse Corp. She dedicated herself to her patients, often going above and beyond for their families. Last Christmas, a patient lost her battle with an acute illness leaving behind four young children and a husband. Carolyn helped organize a Christmas angel collection and purchased gifts for this family. There are countless other examples of her generosity. She was involved in the ICU campaign to raise money for sleeper chairs through the Festival of Trees, this would allow a family member to stay with their loved ones in the ICU. She was also an amazing contributor to the ICU Heart Walk team, as a result we wildly exceeded our fund raising goal. She was active in the community with PAWs and Central Kitsap School District's Cross Country activities.
Carolyn fulfilled the role of staff, charge and Rapid Response nurse with clinical expertise, empathy and unbridled humor. This often eased an unseasoned nurse's fears and provided an opportunity for a teaching moment with them. Her experience, "can do" demeanor and constant desire to improve processes was inspirational to those she mentored. She mentored many nursing students and new graduates. She was tough as nails and advocated for her patients and colleagues. No matter how busy her assignment, she always helped her peers without being asked. Her desire to practice at her best led her to attend many national nursing lectures and symposiums, including the annual National Teaching Institute's (NTI) Critical Care Exposition. Well respected by nurses and physicians, she also respected others. She knew everyone's names and stories, including those in other departments such as EVS, Volunteer, Lab and Lift Team.
Her zest for life was such a morale booster for our unit. Her son, family, profession and colleagues were her passion (and of course the Seahawks). She celebrated and rarely missed a coworker's wedding, baby shower, or birthday. She was often a cheerleader for our patient's first steps out of bed and will even do doggy yoga poses to get a smile out of a staff member who is experiencing a tough day. It's hard to forget our Carolyn, she gave us so much to remember.
She danced like no one's watching, did kind things for others when no one was looking, spiced our lives with her zany antics, loved unconditionally and worked hard for her patients. She exemplified both compassionate care and clinical excellence. January 21, 2016 brought a river of tears upon our unit, however her legacy makes us all smile...she truly led her life and profession by never taking more than she gave.