Kristina Lincoln was caring for E, a patient who was admitted for symptoms of what would become a diagnosis of extensive disease. Independent and unreserved, her personality had served her well to manage a somewhat isolated life on her own, but she was also entangled in a dependency that she relied on to help her cope with her solitary life. E's subsequent medical care would transition to a need for surgical intervention which she would face alone on that day.
E was stoic and self-reliant, and she staunchly faced her impending procedure without help as she had other events of her life over the years; but the truth remained that there was no one to be by her side, a partner of essence to share her anxiety and a shoulder to bear some of her apprehension as preparation for her surgical procedure was underway.
Being alone was a situation E had probably faced many times and in many ways, so she did not seem overtly distressed about that state of circumstances that occurred yet again. It was Kristina who came in on her day off to spend time with E in the morning before her impending surgery and stayed until she returned to her room so that E would know that never would she be alone during this time. It would be Kristina's presence and encouragement on that day that penetrated an experience of aloneness and created for E the understanding that not just Kristina, but everyone cared deeply for her wellbeing. A physical reminder that what happens to anyone, including E, matters.
It is with empathy we can feel, understand, and relate to the suffering or distress of others. It is compassion that calls in us that desire to act, to intervene and relieve the suffering of others. Kristina, as so many nurses, is quick to recognize the distress of others, both patients, and co-workers, and Kristina is moved to act and to care for others in a unique way that eases the burdens they face. The DAISY Award is to honor the compassionate and exemplary care of the bedside nurses who are able to bridge that span between the science of healthcare and compassionately caring for another, creating what is fundamentally the essence of nursing. For this example of compassion in action, I choose Kristina Lincoln.