My father has been a patient at RMC since March. He walked into the ER with flu-like symptoms and due to complications ended up a dialysis patient with a tracheostomy, colostomy, g-tube for feedings, and generalized weakness leaving him bedbound and hopeless. My father has been cared for by many nurses, but Katherine Stradling stood out among her peers. Her bedside manner was warm and welcoming; her smile and energy filled the room every time she walked in.
Katherine's empathy and compassion gave my dad hope and the boost of energy that he needed to finally get up and sit in a chair for months of being in bed. Katherine was so caring that she even came in to visit my father when he was not even assigned to her. She saw my father as a human being, as someone's father, as someone's brother, and as someone's husband. She looked at him, spoke to him, gave him words of encouragement and had him up and moving when others said it would be impossible. Watching my father smile for the first time in months brought our entire family to tears.
We are grateful to have crossed paths with a nurse that goes above and beyond what is expected of her. Katherine is an angel, a humanitarian and an advocate for those who cannot fend or speak for themselves. Katherine, the beautiful angel, has left a mark on our hearts for life. She is a definition of the true meaning of a nurse. I know a great nurse when I see one. Katherine is very deserving of this award and her nursing skills need to be recognized and applauded.