Kristin Ozborn, BSN, RN, CCRN

I have known Kristin since the beginning of my nursing career, and she has been one of the most influential leaders and mentors I have ever had. She may be known for her loud New York personality, but behind that is one of the biggest hearts I have ever known. She fiercely advocates for her nurses, supports every family, and never lets anyone feel alone. She has shaped our Pediatric Cardiac Unit and the nurses fortunate enough to work alongside her.

Kristin truly embodies Love Me. One of the most remarkable examples of her compassion is a child our unit cared for who had no consistent parental presence. Kristin refused to let that child experience life alone. She opened her heart, adopted the child, and loved that baby unconditionally until the very end of their life. She often says she never wants anyone to feel alone, and she lives those words every single day.

I will also never forget a family who had made the heartbreaking decision to withdraw life-sustaining care from their child just before Christmas. Their only wish was to have one last Christmas together. Kristin quietly arranged matching Christmas pajamas for the entire family so they could take their first and last family Christmas photo together. She transformed one of the hardest days of their lives into a memory they could cherish forever.

That is who Kristin is. She finds ways to bring comfort, dignity, and love when families need it most. Her kindness extends just as deeply to her team.

One of our charge nurses recently nominated Kristin for a DAISY Award, writing:

Kristin is an amazing leader. She is always supporting her team through her years of bedside experience, provides a listening ear to staff and patients' families, and goes out of her way to acknowledge birthdays, baby showers, and other life events. Most of the time, she pays for everything herself. She is truly a blessing to our Pediatric Cardiac Unit and a shining example to all. We all love her.

I couldn't agree more. Kristin celebrates birthdays, baby showers, and milestones, often paying for them herself. She has even surprised me with a dog toy for my new puppy simply because she knew how excited I was. She has a remarkable way of making everyone feel valued and part of the family.

Kristin also lives Keep Me Safe by advocating for both patients and nurses. She leads with compassion, supports safe, high-quality care, and is never afraid to have difficult conversations when they are needed. Whether she is supporting a family or standing beside her staff, you always know Kristin will do what is right.

Kristin truly Makes It Easy. She creates a culture where nurses feel supported, respected, and comfortable asking for help. Even now, years later, she is still just a phone call or text away. She has helped me through some of the hardest moments of my nursing career, including times when I questioned whether I wanted to continue in nursing. She reminded me why I became a nurse and helped me believe in myself again.

Finally, Kristin Owns It. She leads by example, invests in her team, and encourages nurses to become the best versions of themselves. She celebrates successes, supports professional growth, and would give the shirt off her back if it meant helping someone else succeed.

Kristin has taught me that leadership is not about a title. It is about showing up for people every single day, especially when they need you most. She has changed the lives of countless patients, families, and nurses, including mine.

There are countless more stories that could be shared about her compassion and generosity. I truly would not be the nurse or leader I am today without her mentorship, and I cannot think of anyone more deserving of the DAISY Nurse Leader Award.