Kathy exhibits all the qualities one would want in an exemplary nurse and then some. Her compassion and desire to give to her patients are not episodic, but rather an act she bestows on every individual she encounters. For example, she recently cared for a patient who was single and lived alone without insurance. He broke his arm and it was not able to be surgically repaired. He was placed in a very awkward sling and was told by his surgeon that as his swelling decreased, he was to constantly readjust his sling. This patient, unfortunately, was unable to adjust his sling. For 8 weeks, the patient came to the clinic, after hours, every Monday, Wednesday and Friday and Kathy spent an hour of her evening adjusting this patient's sling so that his arm could remain immobile and heal properly. Not only did she adjust the sling, she would also bathe the patient's upper trunk area as the patient was instructed to keep it immobile and he had difficulty washing his arm. She never charged him a penny. Furthermore, this patient was an alcoholic when he originally presented to the clinic because of his loneliness. Since the start of his care with Kathy, the patient has not had a single drink and reports he's feeling better than ever.
Whether it's finding someone to help get a patient's car started so they can get a job, to providing them a hot meal before they leave the clinic to calling them daily to make sure they are taking their medication correctly without side effects, Kathy embodies the very qualities our organization values - and she does it without hesitation and desire for recognition. She does it because it's the "right thing" and it's human compassion. Kathy Paul is a great DAISY Nurse.