Unit 53 has been home for a several months now. Beyond her significant clinical concerns including a rare, disfiguring skin condition, the patient came with fear, mistrust and anger. Most of our nurses struggled to care for her and communicate with her because she was deaf and blind and had behavioral challenges. None of these kept Stephanie away. Stephanie had the skill, confidence and compassion to meet the patient where she was. She learned how to communicate by signing letters in the patient’s hand. Stephanie was able to build a strong enough bond to motivate the patient to go to therapeutic baths when others could not. Stephanie was breaking down barriers for the patient and building a relationship with her. Suddenly, the mistrustful, angry patient was trusting Stephanie and often seen giving her hugs and smiles. This was a major change in behavior for the patient.
Furthermore, Stephanie used what she learned to teach others how to care for and communicate with the patient effectively. She taught others and inspired their confidence. Weeks later, many nurses were beginning to develop a similar bond with the patient. Stephanie not only advocated for the patient in her 1:1 care but also advocated for the patient by teaching others how to care for her.


Second nomination for Stephanie:
Several months ago I graduated from nursing school, passed my boards and began my career as a RN. My heart knows the nurse I aspire to become. I want to be the person that an author described when she wrote “all I ever wanted was to reach out and touch another human being; not just with my hands, but with my heart.”
Working on Unit 53 is helping me reach my aspirations because of Stephanie. She hasn’t just told me how to become a kind and compassionate nurse; she shows me each and every day. She embodies everything that the DAISY Award stands for. Like others in my Unit, I could share countless stories about Stephanie, but none that has touched me more than Stephanie’s care of a patient that has brought our team together.
A woman arrived in our Unit 3 weeks ago. Her communication barriers, clinical condition and periods of ‘acting out’ presented challenges for the staff. The patient required 20 minute daily soaks. Those 20 minute baths really take close to 1 hour. Typically, the patient’s primary RN would be responsible, but being off the unit for an hour is very difficult. Stephanie saved the day for all of us. She took responsibility for the baths. When translators were not available, Stephanie would take the time to spell out words in the patient’s hand – explaining the pair was off for another soak. Stephanie always protected the patient’s dignity by taking back hallways because the patient was quite disfigured by her disease. Once in the tub room, Stephanie cared for the patient as if she was her own child.
Her actions displayed the trusting and caring relationship that KU nurses are known for. Stephanie’s care for this patient not only allowed the patient to transform into a whole new woman, but her care inspired the healthcare team. We’ve come together to meet the patient’s basic needs. The patient is rocking a new robe from her doctors, a bedazzled hoodie, blond wig, new outfits and underwear. Stephanie, of course, ensures that the items get washed for the patient.
Stephanie’s touch showed us all how to look beyond a person’s appearance or actions and find someone who needs a friend and love. Stephanie deserves this award for not only sharing love with the patient, but the entire unit.