I nominate Kristin Lydon for a DAISY Award based on the kindness, compassion, and creativity she displayed while caring for a young woman with developmental challenges following major surgery. Kristin’s determination, follow-through, and caring yet disciplined approach helped her patient to regain her independence postoperatively and contributed to her successful discharge from the hospital. Kristin’s patient came from home, where she lived with a roommate and her cats. She unexpectedly underwent two abdominal surgeries, the second of which necessitated the creation of an ileostomy. This situation would have presented a major challenge for anyone, but it was particularly overwhelming for this young woman. I met her patient several days postop. She presented sedentary in her bed, using an external urinary containment device, receiving regular doses of parenteral narcotic, with an unclear plan for tapering the medication dose or any specific goals for independence. Kristin expressed deep concern that day regarding her patient’s lack of progress and any specific plan for improvement. She had reached out to the surgeon to collaborate on a plan for addressing issues like pain management and mobility.

In speaking with Kristin that day, I could tell that she was on a mission to make a difference for her patient, and that her patient would definitely not be lying in bed for long!! Based on the relationship that Kristin had developed with her patient and her clinical expertise, Kristin knew exactly what she needed to do to make a difference. She recognized that what her patient wanted most in the world was to go home to see her cats. So, she created a Rewards Board along with her patient, which they modified as her patient gained increased independence. Kristin posted pictures of her patient’s cats in her hospital room to further motivate her to do the things she needed to do to recover. It was clear that Kristin’s care and concern, and the board, meant a lot to her patient. And her patient was so grateful to Kristin for her care. I recall, towards the end of her patient’s hospital stay, that there was a question as to whether or not she would be allowed to go outside with a caregiver. Her patient responded that she was certain that the plan was for her to go outside, and she proved it to us by showing us that she and Kristin had documented it as a goal on her board. Her patient ended up being correct and was able to go outside according to the plan that she and Kristin had established.

Kristin’s special talent and commitment to her patient’s wellbeing was evident one day when I planned to return the next day to change her ostomy pouch. After meeting with the patient briefly, I knew that my session would not be nearly as effective (if it would have been tolerated at all) without Kristin, and I knew that Kristin was off the next day. Despite it already having been a challenging day for Kristin and it being past her shift, she readily offered to stay to assist me with the pouch change, as she knew it was in the best interest of her patient. I recall how gentle and encouraging Kristin was with her patient, such as how she removed the pouch using extra adhesive remover, as she knew how sensitive her patient was to the adhesive. The session went smoothly due to Kristin’s guidance, and I was so grateful that Kristin had set the stage for a successful relationship between the patient and me in the future.

Kristin’s patient was able to leave with her goal of being discharged home with services. She left with a special goodbye from Kristin, even though Kristin was working on another floor that day. It took a strong and dedicated team to facilitate a successful discharge for this very special patient. The leadership and compassion that Kristin had displayed as a caregiver at the bedside were pivotal to the success of this patient’s care. I believe that the attributes displayed by Kristin Lydon in caring for her patient embody the essence of the DAISY Award.