Laura Torres McKnight
August 2025
Laura
Torres McKnight
,
ADN, RN
SG4S
Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital
Palos Heights
,
IL
United States
Her ability to communicate medical updates with empathy and patience was a true gift during an uncertain time.
We are honored to nominate Laura McKnight for the DAISY Award in recognition of the extraordinary care she provided to our mother during a recent hospitalization at NW/Palos Hospital.
In late May, our mother was admitted through the ER for a post-surgical stay that lasted a couple of weeks. Laura—who had previously cared for her following her mid-May surgery—immediately recognized her as a former patient and cared for her during several subsequent shifts. Laura’s familiarity with her, along with her exceptional commitment, made a profound impact on our family during this difficult time.
Laura’s remarkable support of our mother centered around three core qualities:
(1) Effective communication, (2) Deep compassion, and (3) Foresight in anticipating needs.
1. Effective Communication
Our mother eventually required an additional post-surgical procedure. Although it was scheduled for the afternoon, the surgeon was delayed with another case. Laura took the initiative to stay in close contact with the surgical team, keeping them informed of her worsening condition. She also provided consistent updates to our family, helping alleviate our anxiety through clear, informative explanations. Her ability to communicate medical updates with empathy and patience was a true gift during an uncertain time.
2. Deep Compassion
Laura brought immense emotional support to our mother, lifting her spirits with kindness, warmth, and even humor. Whether she was offering reassurance or sharing a smile, she celebrated every small improvement in her health. On the day of the procedure, Laura advocated for our mother by requesting the cancellation of a medication order that would have worsened her nausea. She stayed well past the end of her shift to support her through the procedure—ensuring all medications were prepared in advance and remaining by her side throughout. Her presence was not only medically helpful but also deeply comforting for our mother and her daughters.
3. Anticipation of Needs
Laura demonstrated exceptional clinical judgment and attentiveness. She consistently administered anti-nausea medication at just the right moments and coordinated closely with physicians to manage our mother's pain—no small feat given our mom's allergy profile. She tended to a significant skin tear on her arm using her wound care expertise and acted preemptively when noticing a change in body temperature, preventing further complications. When Laura was unable to eat, she also ensured that nutritional supplements were ordered to support her healing.
Laura’s attentiveness, warmth, and advocacy left an unforgettable impression on our entire family.
In late May, our mother was admitted through the ER for a post-surgical stay that lasted a couple of weeks. Laura—who had previously cared for her following her mid-May surgery—immediately recognized her as a former patient and cared for her during several subsequent shifts. Laura’s familiarity with her, along with her exceptional commitment, made a profound impact on our family during this difficult time.
Laura’s remarkable support of our mother centered around three core qualities:
(1) Effective communication, (2) Deep compassion, and (3) Foresight in anticipating needs.
1. Effective Communication
Our mother eventually required an additional post-surgical procedure. Although it was scheduled for the afternoon, the surgeon was delayed with another case. Laura took the initiative to stay in close contact with the surgical team, keeping them informed of her worsening condition. She also provided consistent updates to our family, helping alleviate our anxiety through clear, informative explanations. Her ability to communicate medical updates with empathy and patience was a true gift during an uncertain time.
2. Deep Compassion
Laura brought immense emotional support to our mother, lifting her spirits with kindness, warmth, and even humor. Whether she was offering reassurance or sharing a smile, she celebrated every small improvement in her health. On the day of the procedure, Laura advocated for our mother by requesting the cancellation of a medication order that would have worsened her nausea. She stayed well past the end of her shift to support her through the procedure—ensuring all medications were prepared in advance and remaining by her side throughout. Her presence was not only medically helpful but also deeply comforting for our mother and her daughters.
3. Anticipation of Needs
Laura demonstrated exceptional clinical judgment and attentiveness. She consistently administered anti-nausea medication at just the right moments and coordinated closely with physicians to manage our mother's pain—no small feat given our mom's allergy profile. She tended to a significant skin tear on her arm using her wound care expertise and acted preemptively when noticing a change in body temperature, preventing further complications. When Laura was unable to eat, she also ensured that nutritional supplements were ordered to support her healing.
Laura’s attentiveness, warmth, and advocacy left an unforgettable impression on our entire family.