I ended up in ICU from complications during a routine outpatient procedure. Katie received me as a patient following several near-death experiences (internal bleeding, BP crashing); I was receiving a blood transfusion and there was still talk of possibly opening me up a second time. Needless to say, I was extremely sore and emotionally shot. Not only did Katie tend to my medical needs including waking me up at 4 am when my blood pressure dropped dangerously low again, but she also made sure I was comfortable and talked to me like I was a friend and not a stranger. Then when she went off shift she gave me a big hug and asked me to let her know how I was doing after I left.
Working in an environment where chaos is the norm (I heard emergencies going on around me all night long), I could understand if a nurse was too busy for small talk or too detached from watching people die. But Katie's care and compassion deeply touched me. Nursing is not a job everyone could do, or even do well. Extraordinary Nurses should be recognized. Katie not only helped save my life, but she also encouraged, reassured, and laughed with me through one of my scariest times. She is a true DAISY Nurse!