Katie
Dwulet
March 2011
Katie
Dwulet
,
BSN, RN, CCRN
Neuro ICU
NewYork-Presbyterian Weill Cornell Medical Center
New York
,
NY
United States

 

 

 

I am nominating Katherine (Katie) Dwulet BSN, RN, CCRN for a DAISY Award. On multiple occasions Katie goes above and beyond when delivering patient care, supporting the patient’s needs and advocating for the patient when the patient is unable to do so.
Katie is truly passionate and enthusiastic about the work she does. It is extremely evident to the patients that she cares for and the co-workers she works with. A particular patient story that jumps out at me is a patient we recently had in the Neuro ICU who was given bad news, a diagnosis of brain cancer. The patient had surgery to remove the tumor and the pathology results came back cancerous. The patient tried to keep a positive attitude and stayed strong for her family and friends. Ultimately the gravity of the diagnosis and the further treatments of chemo and radiation that would ensue were weighing heavily on the patient and the patient naturally started to display signs of depression. The patient was religious and spiritual. Katie spend days getting to know her patient and built a great rapport. Katie became aware of the patients’ religious beliefs and offered her support. The patient had repeatedly asked for Katie to be her nurse. Katie did something truly amazing. She had recently vacationed to Rome and went to Lourdes where she purchased holy water that was blessed by the Pope. Katie brought in a statue of Mary and the holy water for her patient. The patient was overcome with joy and disbelief. Katie listened to her patient and with that simple act of kindness changed the patient’s outlook. The patient viewed receiving the holy water as a sign of good things and had changed her attitude toward her diagnosis of cancer. She wanted to fight all the way. Katie went above and beyond in this instance.
There are numerous more examples of how Katie is a strong leader and resource for fellow ICU nurses. Katie is frequently in charge and is now precepting new hires. Katie does not stop sharing and giving of herself. With the new opening of 2west, the new neuro step-down unit, Katie has repeatedly stepped up to the plate to be an additional resource to the new nurses on that unit as well. Because all of the staff on 2west is new, Katie has volunteered to be in charge on 2west when necessary. This was greatly appreciated not only by me but also the new PCD of 2west.
I am privileged to work with someone with such a strong work ethic and dedication to her patients. It is a pleasure to write a letter to nominate Katie for this wonderful honor.