As an ACM on the CCBD and as an Oncology RN for over 20 years I have had the pleasure of working with many amazing nurses, and Katherine Gallagher is at the top of that list.
Kat is a truly kind and compassionate caregiver with a contagious smile and warmth that makes all who meet her feel welcome. Kat has excellent clinical nursing skills and is an invaluable member of our team, and she truly shines as a preceptor to new staff. Kat immediately makes you feel welcome when you meet her, and she takes the time to introduce our new staff to all members of our department from her nursing peers to our devoted EMS staff.
Kat truly excels as a preceptor as she takes the time to explain the "why" behind a new task or procedure. I really enjoy observing Kat teach our new hires as I see how she truly pauses to care and ensure that the message she is delivering is clear and that she is explaining it in a way they can understand and remember. The responsibilities of an Oncology Nurse are many, and the work we do is at times a heavy burden. Kat helps our new hires meet the challenges that come with this role and is superb in allowing more and more independence as she assesses their development and abilities.
Kat is an amazing bedside RN; smart, focused, compassionate, and a little bit of a kid at heart which puts her patients and families at ease. Kat is also a very dedicated volunteer; she is a ski instructor for Shining Stars and a counselor at Round-Up River Ranch each summer. Kat makes such a difference in the lives of our patients and helps them to feel like "normal" kids during times that are scary and uncertain.
I truly believe Kat represents all the qualities of a DAISY Nurse and I am proud to work with her; we are truly blessed at the CCBD to have her on our team.