Karen has been an RN on the Surgical Cardiovascular Unit at Sanford USD Medical Center for 35 years and has worked in many capacities. Karen is well respected by all members of the interdisciplinary team because of her strong knowledge base and dedication to providing excellent patient care. She has personally been named by patients and also recognized in patient satisfaction surveys for providing outstanding patient centered care. Karen excels at all aspects of her job. Karen has been willing to accept new challenges and most recently has taken on the responsibility of orientating our new RNs. The new RN's appreciate and enjoy Karen's straight forward coaching and mentoring style and we consistently hear how the guidance and direction that Karen provides leads to a positive orientation process and helps to encourage and develop strong growth as a new RN. Karen leads by example and is a true patient advocate and is an engaged and committed team member.

Karen helps to implement new processes throughout the unit and participated in the Surgical order set review process to help improve workflows and decrease inconsistencies when receiving surgical patients.

Karen demonstrates Sanford's Values on a daily basis. She is deserving of the DAISY Award because of her strong commitment to providing excellent patient centered care and her team first approach.