I am honored to nominate my Charge RN, Katie Baker, who consistently demonstrates excellence in her work. She is selfless, compassionate, and unwaveringly dedicated to her role and the patients she serves.

Working alongside Katie is always a positive experience. She brings a contagious, uplifting energy to the team, and I have never felt hesitant to approach her with questions. She creates an environment of encouragement and openness, making it easy for me to learn and grow as a nurse, especially during my time in the new grad residency program. Katie is one of my “go-to” resources because of her approachable and kind nature, and her willingness to support my development has meant so much to me.

Katie embodies Loma Linda University’s motto, "To Make Man Whole," in both her actions and her approach to patient care. One example of this is her initiative to create an activity box for patients on our floor. The box is filled with sensory toys, crayons, puzzles, and activity toys designed to keep patients mentally engaged, particularly those with developmental delays, TBI, dementia, anxiety, and long-term stays. This initiative supports a holistic approach to care, recognizing the vital link between mental and physical health. By stimulating the mind, Katie helps improve patients’ emotional well-being, which, in turn, can positively impact their overall recovery.

Katie consistently goes above and beyond to build personal connections with our patients. I’ll never forget when a patient of mine shared with me that she enjoyed crafting dolls at home. She then showed me a doll and explained that one of the nurses had given it to her. The patient’s face lit up with joy as she proudly showed me the doll that Katie had thoughtfully given to her. It was a beautiful reminder of how Katie takes the time to learn something unique about each patient, creating meaningful connections that make a difference in their experience.

Another example of Katie’s ability to connect with patients occurred when a patient was upset with his care and became quite vocal towards me. Katie heard the interaction and immediately entered the room to assess the situation. She skillfully de-escalated the tension by validating the patient’s feelings and offering him the space he needed to calm down. I was truly impressed by Katie's quick recognition of the situation and her ability to reassure the patient in such a composed, compassionate manner. Not only did she make the patient feel heard and respected, but in that moment, she also made me feel safe. Her presence and support made me feel like she had my back, which speaks volumes about her leadership and commitment to both her patients and her team.

Katie’s attention to patient care is impeccable. She always keeps the bigger picture in mind and is proactive in ensuring that no task is left undone. There have been many occasions when Katie stepped in to make calls or research information for me, ensuring that patient care was not delayed. She is always willing to step away from her desk and get involved in the action, setting a strong example for the entire team. There have been several instances when I’ve approached Katie to inform her that one of my patients was deteriorating. Without hesitation, she steps into the room and immediately begins delegating tasks to the team, ensuring that everything that needs to be done is handled efficiently and promptly.

Katie’s commitment to her patients and her colleagues is truly remarkable, and I believe she deserves a DAISY Award as recognition for her consistent excellence in nursing.