Karla S Schaal
May 2022
Karla S
Schaal
,
RN
NICU
Children's Mercy Kansas City
Kansas City
,
MO
United States

 

 

 

I will never forget the difference Karla made for her patient's family tonight, and neither will they.
Karla provided exceptional end-of-life care for her patient tonight. She recognized that her patient was deteriorating and responded quickly, creating an end-of-life experience the patient and her family would otherwise not have had. Karla was able to use her established relationship with the patient's family to anticipate their needs, deliver updates, and help guide and support them during their daughter's final moments. She made it possible for her patient to share a moment in her Isolette together with her twin, photos the family will treasure forever. She also supported her patient's family as they held their daughter for simultaneously the first and last time. Most importantly, she recognized the extreme emotional toll of the situation and advocated for and supported her patient's family through one of the worst days of their lives. Karla's navigation of this situation was the epitome of what the DAISY Award represents. Her care could not have been more kind, nurturing, or empathetic. In my entire career, I am not sure I have seen a better execution of anticipating and advocating for a patient and family's needs. I will never forget the difference Karla made for her patient's family tonight, and neither will they.