Katrina is a critical care RN who works on the Rapid Response Team. She is always there in the emergent times; people call 7111 and she shows up like an Angel of Hope to guide the situation. If it’s a stroke she's there to score an NIHSS, if it's chest pain she helps see if it’s a heart attack, if it's shock she's there to aid in treatments to help prevent further decline in a patient’s condition. It's almost in her job description to save the day, but as quickly as she shows up to help, that's how quick she is to leave when she is not needed anymore, and on to the next emergency she goes. Katrina carries a bag full of needed supplies when responding, but what most people don't see is she carries a full heart of hope. She doesn't give up, like a dog with a bone, she advocates for the patient's needs and gets them the care they need.

With all that said, now you know her job, let me describe how she became my personal Angel. I work in the ICU as an RN, and I was feeling ill at work and ended up passing out on the job. Our Charge Nurse knew Katrina was on shift and called her phone and pleaded for her to come to the ICU for a co-worker emergency. She showed up and rapidly kicked into gear. She helped place leads on my chest, take a set of vitals, and did a brief exam, she knew I needed emergency care and observation, and this was something juice couldn't fix. So, in collaboration with the ICU Charge Nurse, the House Supervisor, and the ED charge nurse they were able to get me out on a gurney and wheeled down in race car fashion. I had lost consciousness, but I knew with Katrina in the driver’s seat of my gurney I would get to my room in an epically fast fashion. The next few minutes and eventually hours spent in that emergency room bed are a little foggy, but I do remember her voice. I could hear her coordinate care in the room with others and communicate what happened to me. When I would forget to breathe, I could hear her say "You are going to get sick of my voice" as she constantly would sternal rub, pinch and sit me up to keep me from my agonal breathing trends. She didn't leave my side; I knew she was concerned for me and wanted me to not be left alone. When my husband arrived in the room, she was able to explain to him in simple phrases as he held my hand with tears in his eyes, then she took me to my CT scan and still never left my side. After my CT scan my brain was able to wake up and the first thing I asked for and reached for was Katrina. She said, "I'm still here, I haven't left". I knew at that moment she was my Angel. I work as a critical care RN and all I can say is I pray to be half the nurse she is one day! Katrina emulates all the reasons nurses are awarded this Honor.

Note: This is Katrina's 2nd DAISY Award!