December 2023
Kaylee M
Koss
,
BSN Student
University of Iowa College of Nursing
Iowa City
,
IA
United States
Despite Kaylee being a student, she operates with the clinical judgment of someone with nursing experience, while maintaining the compassion and caring that is vital to the nursing role.
Without hesitation, I recommend Kaylee Koss for a DAISY In Training Award. I can always count on Kaylee to show up to her shifts ready to be a part of a team that values education and collaboration. Her kind and helpful attitude made challenging assignments feel easier, and she was always ready to lend a helping hand to other staff in need of assistance.
Despite Kaylee being a student, she operates with the clinical judgment of someone with nursing experience, while maintaining the compassion and caring that is vital to the nursing role. One such example of Kaylee’s excellence in nursing care was with a middle-aged female patient who was critically ill after a large stroke. After days in the ICU, her children were making the tough decision of whether or not to withdraw care. The patient had EEG on several times, leaving her hair matted and sticky, and persistent fevering left her odorous despite numerous CHG baths. Kaylee had the wonderful idea of bringing her hair/body care supplies from home to give the patient the best bath possible. That night, Kaylee brought lotions, conditioner, and detangler from home. She spent nearly an hour gently combing through the tangles and mats in the patient's hair while playing soft music from her phone. The patient, who was normally restless in bed, was calm and relaxed while Kaylee tended to her hair. When the patient's children returned the following day they were moved to tears at how their mom was cared for, smelling of lotions with her hair in two smooth braids. The children expressed how their mom loved to have her hair played with and were beyond thankful for Kaylee’s tenderhearted care.
Oftentimes in healthcare– and the ICU especially– we see people as a diagnosis or a room number, saying things like “Bed 10 needs Tylenol” or “Is the new stroke in 3 going to CT?” We forget that we are not caring for room numbers, not patients, but people. Every night when Kaylee shows up for her shifts, she treats people with the care she would give to her own family members. Her passion for learning and patient care is palpable and she will undoubtedly maintain this passion as she transitions into her future nursing role.
Despite Kaylee being a student, she operates with the clinical judgment of someone with nursing experience, while maintaining the compassion and caring that is vital to the nursing role. One such example of Kaylee’s excellence in nursing care was with a middle-aged female patient who was critically ill after a large stroke. After days in the ICU, her children were making the tough decision of whether or not to withdraw care. The patient had EEG on several times, leaving her hair matted and sticky, and persistent fevering left her odorous despite numerous CHG baths. Kaylee had the wonderful idea of bringing her hair/body care supplies from home to give the patient the best bath possible. That night, Kaylee brought lotions, conditioner, and detangler from home. She spent nearly an hour gently combing through the tangles and mats in the patient's hair while playing soft music from her phone. The patient, who was normally restless in bed, was calm and relaxed while Kaylee tended to her hair. When the patient's children returned the following day they were moved to tears at how their mom was cared for, smelling of lotions with her hair in two smooth braids. The children expressed how their mom loved to have her hair played with and were beyond thankful for Kaylee’s tenderhearted care.
Oftentimes in healthcare– and the ICU especially– we see people as a diagnosis or a room number, saying things like “Bed 10 needs Tylenol” or “Is the new stroke in 3 going to CT?” We forget that we are not caring for room numbers, not patients, but people. Every night when Kaylee shows up for her shifts, she treats people with the care she would give to her own family members. Her passion for learning and patient care is palpable and she will undoubtedly maintain this passion as she transitions into her future nursing role.