Daisy winners show compassion, bravery

Congratulations Caitlyn Vaughn, McKenzie Larsen and Ashley Hartung for being named Memorial Hospital Daisy Award winners!

“I would like to recommend Caitlyn Vaughn as a Daisy Award recipient. I am attaching a letter from our Pediatric Medical Director, Dr. Kate Dutkiewicz, that explains why Caitlyn should receive this award. I, too, second Dr. Dutkiewicz’ thoughts in regard to the care and compassion Caitlyn routinely shows all  of her patients. I hope you will bless her with this award, as she blesses her patients and our staff every time she works.” — Tami Fuller, RN

Caitlyn Vaughn, Pediatrics

“I am writing to commend Caitlyn Vaughn on her care of a very difficult patient on the Pediatric Unit. I have rarely, if ever, witnessed the amount of compassion, bravery and determination she showed in caring for a very aggressive patient. Because of her willingness to engage with the patient at his level of understanding, her ability to calm his intense fear and her unwavering patience — beyond what others have demonstrated, he was able to perform ADLs for the first time in three months. She was not fazed by his intermittently irrational and aggressive behavior. Her persistent, though kind approach earned his trust, and over several hours, enabled him to wash his hair, take a shower, brush his teeth and change his clothes. And he was so proud; this was a major accomplishment for him. When he was finished, Caitlyn asked if she could hug him and his face lit up with joy. He was genuinely surprised that someone wanted to touch him. For this patient with autism, establishing a connection with other people is difficult and he reveled in his connection with Caitlyn that day. It was obvious to me that Caitlyn was equally as excited about his ability to overcome his anxiety and connect with her. I was incredibly touched by this interaction. Caitlyn’s actions are an example of the culture that should be central to health care, of acceptance and genuine care for all people, regardless of their ability or circumstance. That day, she truly embodied what we enter health care for — to connect with people and help them lead healthier lives.” — Kate Dutkiewicz, MD

McKenzie Larsen, ICU

“My mother was airlifted here due to a car accident. She had two surgeries within hours of each other so by the time McKenzie Larsen got her, she had a lot going on. McKenzie has taken exceptional care of my mom and the rest of us. She is so kind and compassionate with my mom and it touches my heart. If I have any questions, she helps me understand everything and never misses anything. She is on top of my mom’s care and I appreciate her very much. This hospital is very lucky to have such an exceptional nurse. Love her!”

Ashley Hartung, CBU

“After two nights of intense labor with very little or no sleep, we were in the midst of the third straight day, which was even more intense than the last two. Throughout the night and into the early hours of the morning, Ashley Hartung was by our side non-stop. She provided steady, calm, compassionate care helping Kat as she labored on the floor, the bed and the tub. Ashley helped her with the different positions and made her as comfortable as possible. All the while, she continued to perform her other duties, monitoring medications and keeping us hydrated and nourished. We never expected we’d receive this sort of non-stop care at a hospital, but Ashley — and the other nurses as well — greatly exceeded all of our expectations.”