June 2026 Honoree
Kristine Bauer, ADN, RN
I was rushed to Banner with heart failure. Kris Bauer was the first nurse by my side.
Now, on my 28th day of hospitalization, I am fortunate enough to have her as my nurse once again. Spending nearly a month in the hospital is a grueling emotional battle. Today, I reached a breaking point where I felt I could not endure another day. Right when I was about to break, Kris walked into my room. With her warm smile, deep empathy, and reassuring presence, she listened to my fears and quietly calmed my anxiety.
Kris didn't just care for my body; she uplifted my spirit and gave me the mental strength to continue treatment. I will never forget her genuine kindness during my darkest hour.
She is the absolute definition of an exceptional nurse.
***
I would like to commend Kris Bauer for the exceptional care she provided during my hospitalization following a lobectomy for lung cancer. Kris was my nurse on multiple nights during one of the most painful, frightening, and emotional experiences of my life.
While I was fortunate to receive excellent care from many members of the healthcare team on 6EW, Kris worked diligently and tirelessly - she consistently went above and beyond in ways that made a lasting impact on me. As someone who works in healthcare myself, I have a deep appreciation for the challenges nurses face every day. I also know that healthcare workers can sometimes be difficult patients because we understand enough to ask questions, worry about details, and overthink what is happening around us. Despite that, Kris never made me feel like a burden. Instead, knowing she was my nurse brought a sense of comfort and reassurance.
When I saw her name on the assignment board, I knew I was in good hands, and I cannot overstate how important that was in this part of my cancer journey. She was incredibly kind, compassionate, responsive, and attentive – always, without fail. No matter how busy the unit was, she always made me feel like I mattered. She stayed on top of every detail of my care, anticipated needs before I even had to ask, and responded quickly whenever I needed help. Her calm presence and reassuring demeanor helped ease my anxiety and made me feel safe during a very vulnerable time. What stood out most was the genuine compassion she showed. Kris treated me not just as a patient, but as a person.
She offered encouragement when I was struggling, celebrated small victories in my recovery, and provided emotional support alongside excellent clinical care. Her kindness turned difficult nights into manageable ones and helped me face each day with a little more confidence and hope.
Recovering from cancer surgery is a journey I will never forget, and neither will I forget the extraordinary care Kris provided.
She exemplifies everything the DAISY Award represents - clinical excellence, compassion, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to her patients.
I am deeply grateful for the difference she made in my recovery.
Now, on my 28th day of hospitalization, I am fortunate enough to have her as my nurse once again. Spending nearly a month in the hospital is a grueling emotional battle. Today, I reached a breaking point where I felt I could not endure another day. Right when I was about to break, Kris walked into my room. With her warm smile, deep empathy, and reassuring presence, she listened to my fears and quietly calmed my anxiety.
Kris didn't just care for my body; she uplifted my spirit and gave me the mental strength to continue treatment. I will never forget her genuine kindness during my darkest hour.
She is the absolute definition of an exceptional nurse.
***
I would like to commend Kris Bauer for the exceptional care she provided during my hospitalization following a lobectomy for lung cancer. Kris was my nurse on multiple nights during one of the most painful, frightening, and emotional experiences of my life.
While I was fortunate to receive excellent care from many members of the healthcare team on 6EW, Kris worked diligently and tirelessly - she consistently went above and beyond in ways that made a lasting impact on me. As someone who works in healthcare myself, I have a deep appreciation for the challenges nurses face every day. I also know that healthcare workers can sometimes be difficult patients because we understand enough to ask questions, worry about details, and overthink what is happening around us. Despite that, Kris never made me feel like a burden. Instead, knowing she was my nurse brought a sense of comfort and reassurance.
When I saw her name on the assignment board, I knew I was in good hands, and I cannot overstate how important that was in this part of my cancer journey. She was incredibly kind, compassionate, responsive, and attentive – always, without fail. No matter how busy the unit was, she always made me feel like I mattered. She stayed on top of every detail of my care, anticipated needs before I even had to ask, and responded quickly whenever I needed help. Her calm presence and reassuring demeanor helped ease my anxiety and made me feel safe during a very vulnerable time. What stood out most was the genuine compassion she showed. Kris treated me not just as a patient, but as a person.
She offered encouragement when I was struggling, celebrated small victories in my recovery, and provided emotional support alongside excellent clinical care. Her kindness turned difficult nights into manageable ones and helped me face each day with a little more confidence and hope.
Recovering from cancer surgery is a journey I will never forget, and neither will I forget the extraordinary care Kris provided.
She exemplifies everything the DAISY Award represents - clinical excellence, compassion, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to her patients.
I am deeply grateful for the difference she made in my recovery.
Thank you, Kristine, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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