September 2026 Honoree
Kari Snodgrass, RN
Kari Snodgrass exemplifies the extraordinary, compassionate, and patient-centered care that makes her truly deserving of the DAISY Award.
Recently, Kari was caring for a 99-year-old patient who was preparing to celebrate a milestone birthday. The patient was scheduled to turn 100 years old the following day, and his family had planned a large celebration with more than 50 family members and friends. Unfortunately, due to an unexpected hospitalization, the patient's admission threatened to cancel this once-in-a-lifetime event.
Recognizing the significance of the occasion, Kari came to me with a heartfelt concern. She shared how important this birthday celebration was to the patient and his loved ones and expressed her desire to find a way to make it happen despite his hospitalization. She understood that a person only turns 100 once, and she was determined not to let this remarkable milestone go unrecognized.
Rather than accepting the circumstances, Kari took action. She collaborated with multiple teams, including the Case Management team and the inpatient nursing staff, and orchestrated a phone call with the Clinical Operations manager, or the nurse who would be assuming care for the patient on the receiving unit. Kari also gave a report and ensured the receiving nurse understood that this event needed to occur. Together, they identified space within the hospital where family and friends could gather safely to celebrate the patient's 100th birthday.
Because of Kari's compassion, advocacy, and persistence, the patient was able to celebrate this incredible milestone surrounded by the people he loved. What could have been a disappointing and heartbreaking situation became a joyful memory for the patient and his family.
This story reflects who Kari is every day. She consistently goes above and beyond for her patients, always looking for ways to improve their experience and support what matters most to them. She embodies IU Health's values through her purposeful commitment to doing good in the lives of others, her excellence in always striving to do her very best, her compassion for patients and families during vulnerable moments, and her teamwork in collaborating across departments to make exceptional care possible.
Kari's actions remind us that nursing is about more than treating illness. It is about caring for the whole person, honoring what is important to patients and families, and creating moments of joy and dignity when they are needed most. Her extraordinary kindness and dedication made an immeasurable difference for this patient and family, making her highly deserving of recognition through the DAISY Award.
Recently, Kari was caring for a 99-year-old patient who was preparing to celebrate a milestone birthday. The patient was scheduled to turn 100 years old the following day, and his family had planned a large celebration with more than 50 family members and friends. Unfortunately, due to an unexpected hospitalization, the patient's admission threatened to cancel this once-in-a-lifetime event.
Recognizing the significance of the occasion, Kari came to me with a heartfelt concern. She shared how important this birthday celebration was to the patient and his loved ones and expressed her desire to find a way to make it happen despite his hospitalization. She understood that a person only turns 100 once, and she was determined not to let this remarkable milestone go unrecognized.
Rather than accepting the circumstances, Kari took action. She collaborated with multiple teams, including the Case Management team and the inpatient nursing staff, and orchestrated a phone call with the Clinical Operations manager, or the nurse who would be assuming care for the patient on the receiving unit. Kari also gave a report and ensured the receiving nurse understood that this event needed to occur. Together, they identified space within the hospital where family and friends could gather safely to celebrate the patient's 100th birthday.
Because of Kari's compassion, advocacy, and persistence, the patient was able to celebrate this incredible milestone surrounded by the people he loved. What could have been a disappointing and heartbreaking situation became a joyful memory for the patient and his family.
This story reflects who Kari is every day. She consistently goes above and beyond for her patients, always looking for ways to improve their experience and support what matters most to them. She embodies IU Health's values through her purposeful commitment to doing good in the lives of others, her excellence in always striving to do her very best, her compassion for patients and families during vulnerable moments, and her teamwork in collaborating across departments to make exceptional care possible.
Kari's actions remind us that nursing is about more than treating illness. It is about caring for the whole person, honoring what is important to patients and families, and creating moments of joy and dignity when they are needed most. Her extraordinary kindness and dedication made an immeasurable difference for this patient and family, making her highly deserving of recognition through the DAISY Award.
Thank you, Kari, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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