Kris joined St. Vincent Health System as an RN resident in January 2010. Two years later, Kris was nominated for the DAISY Award by two fellow health care providers. Kris was described as being a true patient advocate and providing compassionate care to his patients and their families:

“I observed Kris’ interaction with a mother whose son, a patient in CCU, was not doing well. Kris gave encouragement to the mother even though the situation was grim. Even the physicians commented on the patient’s progress when Kris was his nurse.”

Another example of Kris’ excellent nursing skill was shown with a patient who was deteriorating and was about to be placed on comfort care. Kris and the physicians had been discussing draining the fluid off the patient’s abdomen. Kris persisted in advocating for the peritoneal tap. Several liters of fluid were removed. Days later, the patient was extubated and discharged! Both the physicians and family praised Kris for his compassionate care.