Dorothy Gasser, RN, chose nursing as a second career and has now been a Dialysis nurse for ten years. Her former career as a quality water lead at a water treatment facility sparked her passion for dialysis, and this is why she enjoys this role. She continues to use her background in water quality and goes above and beyond to share her expertise with her peers. Dorothy also enjoys training and educating teammates, as well as patients and families, and has become a seasoned preceptor for her unit. She is considered the “go-to” person and subject matter expert for the organization.

The DAISY Award recognizes and celebrates nurses who provide extraordinary and compassionate care to patients and families. Dorothy serves as an example of these values and sets the bar high for the team. On many occasions, Dorothy has escalated questions and concerns regarding patient safety or best-demonstrated practice (BDP). One exceptional example, Dorothy voiced concerns about a potential negative outcome due to a poor prognosis for a patient with treatment orders for HD. She consulted with her HSCM and GSHA to review the plan for treatment and whether or not the patient would be receiving the best possible and safest care. Dorothy suggested CKRT. Unfortunately, due to a lack of staff in the ICU, that option was not feasible at the time. However, after several conversations with physicians and ICU staff, orders were obtained, and the treatment was very successful because Dorothy advocated for her patient. The patient continued to receive dialysis several more times, but the family eventually withdrew care due to the patient’s condition.

Previously, Dorothy received an Honorable Mention for the DAISY Award from her organization for her dedication to providing exceptional safe patient care. She excels at building and maintaining multidisciplinary relationships in order to provide the best possible care for all patients. She is the “glue” that holds HCA Putnam Hospital Dialysis together and she highly respected by her team.

In closing, Dorothy is a very kind, caring, and compassionate nurse who goes above and beyond for her patients, team, and hospital partners. She is a true representative of what it means to be a DAISY Award Nurse.