I cannot begin to describe the compassion and dedication Katie shows to her patients day in and day out. The photo [in the text of the nomination, of Katie painting a patient's nails] was taken by one of Katie's colleagues, and it shows Katie staying after her shift to paint the nails of one of her Hospice patients, with whom she grew very close. Situations like this are so overwhelmingly heart-warming, but with Katie, they happen more than every once in a while. Katie is well known for bringing in meals for patients, often stopping by on days off to bring soup, baked goods, Chinese food, or other requested food items to appease her patients who are away from home. Katie is very well respected by her colleagues and respects them all equally. I have never met a nurse quite like Katie, who not only advocates for her patients but also her co-workers. She will be the first to stand up for a co-worker if she feels that they need support, and is so honest in her dedication to her career. She goes the extra mile, helping to create update boards for staff, attending staff meetings and unit based council to help better our unit as a whole. Katie and a colleague decorated our break room with funny nursing pictures and quotes to help create a space that the staff can laugh and truly take a break from what may be going on during the shift. Katie once came to me with a concern about noise at night, prepared with research she had completed and newspaper articles she had clipped. She is so impressive in the way that she dedicates herself to any task at hand.
Although Katie has only been a nurse for about 2 years, she exudes the confidence and knowledge of someone much more experienced. She is very often in charge of the unit, and I trust that if I ask her to get a task completed, she most certainly will. she also precepts our new RNs, being a pillar in both the educational and mentorship process. I hold Katie in such high regard, and I know I speak for everyone who comes in contact with her that she truly is a special person and an exemplary nurse.