This is my third attempt to thank a PICU nurse Kaitlyn Wood. Although my daughter is now transitioned, she played a significant role in her journey as a cancer warrior over the course of several years. We first had Kaitlyn as a nurse in the PICU during one of our most difficult stays. My daughter, K, had a tumor pressing on her brain and had a twelve-hour surgery. Kaitlyn not only provided outstanding support but went above and beyond to make K comfortable as she got through some very difficult days. Kaitlyn brought in her favorite snack, painted her toenails and gently helped wash her hair despite how sensitive her scalp was. As a nurse she was never still, always attentive, looking out for what K needed. We laughed at her sense of humor and shared stories and pictures about pets and Kaitlyn even got special permission for K to go outside in the small park area so that she could feel the afternoon sun and visit with a friend. She made the unbearable bearable simply by being herself and providing outstanding care.
The next time we visited the PICU, we asked for Kaitlyn Wood. She not only remembered us but even remembered the grandparents. Again, it was a difficult and painful time but Kaitlyn made it seem less upsetting and more like a girlfriend getaway. She treated K like the teenager that she was and got her talking about her high school friends and plans. Kaitlyn's instincts are spot on. She knows how important it is to have goals and future plans and to focus on the positive. I could slip away for a lunch break knowing that Kaitlyn was there to watch over my daughter. I knew that she would advocate for her if she needed anything and that she would check on her and keep her laughing with funny stories. Kaitlyn could get her to eat and drink. Kaitlyn could push her to move and stand where I could not. Kaitlyn even brought in cookies for the entire PICU floor one morning and I could see that her energy impacted those nurses around her. All of the nurses work incredibly hard and handle very sad and difficult situations and patients. Kaitlyn's positive energy and sense of humor impacts not only her patients but those she works with as well.
Kaitlyn is a DAISY Nurse for all of her positive contributions to so many families and for all her hard work.