Katherine Hombach, MSN, RN, CCRN

I would like to nominate Katie for the DAISY Award for the exceptional care she provided to my grandmother during her stay in the ICU. Katie was phenomenal. She cared for my grandmother with a level of compassion, dignity, and respect that truly stood out during an incredibly difficult time for our family. Many of the ICU nurses were wonderful, but Katie was especially remarkable. She consistently advocated for my grandmother and made sure she was comfortable, heard, and treated like the person she was, not just another patient. Katie supported our family through very difficult conversations and always approached them with empathy and kindness. She never made us feel rushed or like we were a burden, even when the unit was busy.

One moment that really stayed with me was when my grandmother needed to be changed and felt bad asking for help. Katie reassured her with a smile and told her she would happily change her “80 more times” if needed. That simple statement showed my grandmother that she mattered and that her dignity was important. Katie made her feel safe and cared for during such a vulnerable time. Even after my grandmother was discharged from the ICU to another floor, she continued to ask for Katie. That alone speaks volumes about the impression Katie made and the trust she built with her patients.

Katie was truly a shining star during our ICU experience. She treated my grandmother with the compassion, respect, and humanity that every patient, especially someone nearing end of life care, deserves. Our family will always remember the comfort she provided during such a difficult time. Katie is exactly the kind of nurse the DAISY Award was created to recognize.