One of the first things taught in nursing school is how central the role of "advocate" is to the life of a nurse. You are there with patients, often at the worst moments of their lives, and often when they are least capable of making decisions for themselves. It's not something that comes naturally to everyone, but it's a role that this nurse has learned to love. It's a word that defines Katie Thompson.
Sorting through the input of therapists, doctors, parents, chaplains, siblings and others to develop a plan that is best for the individual patient is a responsibility that falls squarely on the nurse. Katie works tirelessly all the while protecting her patients from errors and harm.
Our nurses work with more than just a sick child, we treat entire families. Katie works relentlessly to encourage her patients' parents, providing them with the skills they need to take care of their child after discharge by giving them the space to practice the skills they may need and where they can build the confidence they need to take care of their child at home. I have watched her come in early and stay late to help empower parents. The hugs and tears of joy are the only repayment she receives for her attention and care.
Even as she works with families, there is a space in her heart that is reserved just for our saddest patients, the ones who are alone. Spending time with the children who have no one else is one of the most fulfilling parts of her work. Holding babies so they know they are loved, so they develop that crucial level of trust in adults to take care of them. Playing games with kindergarten kids, reading them books, helping them see that there are kind people who care about them. Long talks with teens, listening to their stories, showing them that they don't have to get through their illness alone. Those are the kids that she always has time for.
Katie's devotion and passion for precepting our new nurses. She provides a safe place to learn and ask questions. It is crucial to help new nurses feel like they are valued members of the team while still providing them with positive and constructive feedback. She helps them organize their patients' care and guidelines for charting. By getting to know each of her orientees, she delivers a precepting experience that fosters creative, independent and safe new nurses.
Katie Thompson truly has the most beautiful heart that I have ever seen. No one deserves the DAISY award more than her.