Karen Carnes
March 2026
Karen
Carnes
,
RN
Nebraska Medicine
Omaha
,
NE
United States
Karen went above and beyond her responsibilities to ensure this patient received safe, timely, and compassionate care.
The Multi-Organ Transplant Clinic (MOTC) was still in the early stages of preparing to implement six-minute walk tests for transplant patients. The policy had not yet been finalized, and the clinic was not ready to begin performing these tests. Despite this, a patient arrived that morning for a scheduled six-minute walk test, having driven an hour for what should have been a brief appointment dedicated solely to this assessment.
Unsure how to proceed, the MOTC team reached out to transplant leadership, who then contacted Karen Carnes, RN, in the Durham Outpatient Center Heart & Vascular Center POD 5. Karen routinely performs six-minute walk tests for lung transplant patients on Monday mornings and is highly experienced with the process. When asked if she had the capacity to assist so the patient wouldn’t have to make another long trip, Karen didn’t hesitate. Even while managing her own busy clinic load, she immediately offered to help.
Karen demonstrated the ITEACH values of Teamwork, Accountability, and Healing as she ensured this patient received the test he was scheduled for. Her willingness to support another clinic and prioritize the patient’s needs exemplifies what it means to be a collaborative and patient-centered nurse.
During the six-minute walk test—an objective measure of fatigue and dyspnea while measuring distance, heart rate, and oxygen saturation—the patient reported only mild shortness of breath. However, Karen quickly recognized that his oxygen saturation had dropped to dangerously low levels. She immediately stopped the test, called for assistance, and moved the patient to a nearby vitals room for a full assessment. Her swift clinical judgment and decisive action clearly demonstrated Courage and likely prevented a much more serious event.
Karen went above and beyond her responsibilities to ensure this patient received safe, timely, and compassionate care. She protected the patient’s well-being, preserved his experience with Nebraska Medicine, and exemplified the highest standards of nursing practice. The DOC is truly fortunate to have Karen on its nursing staff.
Karen’s actions that day reflect the essence of the DAISY Award—extraordinary compassion, clinical excellence, and a deep commitment to patients and colleagues. She is highly deserving of this recognition.
Unsure how to proceed, the MOTC team reached out to transplant leadership, who then contacted Karen Carnes, RN, in the Durham Outpatient Center Heart & Vascular Center POD 5. Karen routinely performs six-minute walk tests for lung transplant patients on Monday mornings and is highly experienced with the process. When asked if she had the capacity to assist so the patient wouldn’t have to make another long trip, Karen didn’t hesitate. Even while managing her own busy clinic load, she immediately offered to help.
Karen demonstrated the ITEACH values of Teamwork, Accountability, and Healing as she ensured this patient received the test he was scheduled for. Her willingness to support another clinic and prioritize the patient’s needs exemplifies what it means to be a collaborative and patient-centered nurse.
During the six-minute walk test—an objective measure of fatigue and dyspnea while measuring distance, heart rate, and oxygen saturation—the patient reported only mild shortness of breath. However, Karen quickly recognized that his oxygen saturation had dropped to dangerously low levels. She immediately stopped the test, called for assistance, and moved the patient to a nearby vitals room for a full assessment. Her swift clinical judgment and decisive action clearly demonstrated Courage and likely prevented a much more serious event.
Karen went above and beyond her responsibilities to ensure this patient received safe, timely, and compassionate care. She protected the patient’s well-being, preserved his experience with Nebraska Medicine, and exemplified the highest standards of nursing practice. The DOC is truly fortunate to have Karen on its nursing staff.
Karen’s actions that day reflect the essence of the DAISY Award—extraordinary compassion, clinical excellence, and a deep commitment to patients and colleagues. She is highly deserving of this recognition.