Kara Gustafson
March 2023
Kara
Gustafson
,
RN
ICU
AdventHealth Daytona Beach Hospital
Daytona Beach
,
FL
United States

 

 

 

She spent time with us, provided countless updates, no matter how little the progress, and answered all our questions. She was patient, gentle and exuded confidence in critical thinking.
I arrived from Missouri to accompany my Father to Mayo for an 8-hour experimental surgery. It was the last hope to save his leg from amputation. Shortly after I arrived, we brought him to the ED for shortness of breath and low oxygenation per the visiting home health nurse. He was ultimately diagnosed with several severe diagnoses and by the end of the day he was given very little to no chance of survival. Our hearts were broken...it was not a journey I was prepared for when I arrived. Soon an angel nurse, Kara came into our lives. She was our nurse for 4 very long agonizing days, and she gave the most compassionate care that I've ever seen. I don't say that lightly... I am a nurse and I know how hard nurses work and the challenges of the medical workforce in 2022. It's not the same as it was 40 years ago. AdventHealth should be very proud of this young lady. Her professionalism, compassion, and excellent service should be recognized by the DAISY Award. She represents your organization and the nursing profession with great pride. Kara always had a smile on her face. She spent time with us, provided countless updates, no matter how little the progress, and answered all our questions. She was patient, gentle and exuded confidence in critical thinking. She provided my Dad's care with dignity and respect. She talked to him when you thought he couldn't hear, and she celebrated as we watched a miracle unfold. He did survive. He did extubate. And GOD willing, we are going to have him a little longer. Our family cannot say enough about Kara. I hope she realizes the impact she made on our family and the support she provided as we were faced with difficult decisions. She checked all the boxes and for her, we are very thankful.