Katie epitomizes the compassion and empathy that can be found only in a very special nurse. As a nurse in a high acuity cardiac ICU taking care of critically ill patients, Katie prioritizes caring for each patient on an emotional level as well as meeting their medical needs. They are a tireless advocate for all of their patients and find creative ways to nurture them like no nurse I've seen before.

A specific patient experience has recently highlighted her unique talent at connecting with patients and their families, and at caring for them in a meaningful way. A patient was admitted to our unit with advanced heart failure and was faced with choosing either hospice or an advanced therapy such as an LVAD, a daunting road either way. Katie found creative ideas to make each day a little brighter. For example, the patient had to take oral potassium often, which is notoriously bitter. Katie brought the patient a disco ball cup and some juice mixers and came up with a mocktail that perfectly hid the flavor of the medication. They routinely used essential oils to help the patient relax, and did spa days to help the patient feel comfortable and clean. The peace and comfort Katie brought to the patient were so obvious.

The patient, unfortunately, did not do well after her surgery, and eventually, the husband made the decision to withdraw care. Katie came in on their day off and spent hours at the bedside with the patient's husband, who had no other support, talking softly with him about memories of his wife and their garden, staying with him until she had passed away. Katie made sure the husband had their contact info and knew how much he was cared for and supported by the nurse and our staff.

Katie walked him out to his car, helping to carry his wife's belongings (disco ball cup included). The care and really, love, shown to this patient and her husband was beyond what would be expected of a nurse, or really of anyone. Katie’s empathy and compassion are unmatched, and they hand it out freely, giving themselves constantly to even the most challenging patients. They have a unique ability to connect with patients and to find things that make them feel truly nurtured. They help our patients feel like people, not patients, and advocate for other staff to treat them the same. Their patients are all lucky to be cared for by her, and our staff is lucky to have their influence and example.