Kathryn A Wach
December 2024
Kathryn A
Wach
,
BSN, RN, NC-BC
PACU
AdventHealth Winter Garden
Winter Garden
,
FL
United States

 

 

 

My friend repeatedly expressed how Katie's compassion and professional excellence were pivotal to her recovery process.
I am honored to nominate Katie Wach, a preoperative nurse whose exceptional care and profound compassion truly set her apart. 

Katie serves as a beacon of hope and reassurance to her patients, embodying the highest standards of nursing professionalism and empathy. The patient in this instance, my best friend, was undergoing a bowel resection, a procedure fraught with anxiety and fear due to its sudden necessity and potential complications. The prospect of a significant life-change post-surgery, including the possibility of requiring a colostomy, had left her terrified and vulnerable. 

In a display of extraordinary empathy, Katie shared her personal experiences with a similar surgery, bridging the gap between nurse and patient through her own vulnerability. This act of sharing not only soothed my friend's fears, but also instilled a deep sense of trust and comfort, affirming that she was in capable hands. 

Katie's commitment extended beyond the patient; she ensured that the family was well-informed at every stage of the procedure. Her dedication shone particularly when she chose to stay beyond her shift, not only to support the family but to join them in celebrating the successful outcome of the surgery. A moment of joy amidst the stress, signifying relief from the feared necessity of the colostomy. The impact of Katie's care was profound. 

My friend repeatedly expressed how Katie's compassion and professional excellence were pivotal to her recovery process. "She was wonderful," my friend recounted, reflecting on the kindness and personal attention Katie provided throughout this challenging time. 

My realization that Katie was a former student of mine in nursing, only deepened my admiration for her. Having known Katie as a student, I witnessed firsthand her consistent dedication to providing compassionate care, a trait she has evidently carried into her professional practice. 

Katie Wach exemplifies the spirit of the DAISY Award through her unwavering compassion, clinical expertise, and personal touch that transforms patient care into an experience of healing and comfort. It is with great pride and respect that I nominate her for this prestigious recognition, confident in her ability to represent the ideas it upholds.