September 2025
Kathryn R.
Schneider
,
R.N.
Pain Medicine
Mayo Clinic Health System, Southeast Minnesota
Austin
,
MN
United States
She scheduled the necessary appointment in Rochester and took additional steps to ensure an interpreter would be available in person to support the patient and her husband during the visit. Katie spent well over an hour coordinating care, resources, and communication for this patient.
Katie cared for a non-English-speaking patient who had endured a long and difficult journey, including missed fractures on prior imaging. When the patient was finally ready to proceed with a vertebroplasty, she faced a major obstacle: transportation. Rochester offered a consultation and surgery, but the patient initially declined due to a lack of transportation. Recognizing the barriers this patient faced, Katie stepped in with an unwavering commitment to ensure she received the help she needed.
Katie contacted Mower County Senior Services and successfully arranged transportation for the IR consult. When an alternative option was suggested by the provider—to have a company fit the patient for a TLSO brace—Katie coordinated a clinic visit in Austin to obtain the necessary documentation. However, another hurdle arose: the company declined to send someone to the clinic because the patient was not an inpatient and services wouldn’t be reimbursed. This meant the patient would have to travel again to Rochester.
Instead of letting the situation drop, Katie relentlessly explored every possible avenue. She reached out to social work and the patient's insurance, only to find there was no coverage for transportation. Still not giving up, Katie called the Mower County Department of Health and Human Services, left messages, followed up, and ultimately connected with someone who could help. She explained the patient’s circumstances and found out the patient did qualify for some assistance.
Katie didn’t stop there. She scheduled the necessary appointment in Rochester and took additional steps to ensure an interpreter would be available in person to support the patient and her husband during the visit. Katie spent well over an hour coordinating care, resources, and communication for this patient. Her determination, cultural sensitivity, and advocacy made an incredible difference—not just medically, but emotionally. Katie truly embodies the spirit of the DAISY Award: a nurse whose compassion, persistence, and patient-centered care exceed expectations. Her efforts ensured this vulnerable patient was not alone—and had the access and support she deserved.
Katie contacted Mower County Senior Services and successfully arranged transportation for the IR consult. When an alternative option was suggested by the provider—to have a company fit the patient for a TLSO brace—Katie coordinated a clinic visit in Austin to obtain the necessary documentation. However, another hurdle arose: the company declined to send someone to the clinic because the patient was not an inpatient and services wouldn’t be reimbursed. This meant the patient would have to travel again to Rochester.
Instead of letting the situation drop, Katie relentlessly explored every possible avenue. She reached out to social work and the patient's insurance, only to find there was no coverage for transportation. Still not giving up, Katie called the Mower County Department of Health and Human Services, left messages, followed up, and ultimately connected with someone who could help. She explained the patient’s circumstances and found out the patient did qualify for some assistance.
Katie didn’t stop there. She scheduled the necessary appointment in Rochester and took additional steps to ensure an interpreter would be available in person to support the patient and her husband during the visit. Katie spent well over an hour coordinating care, resources, and communication for this patient. Her determination, cultural sensitivity, and advocacy made an incredible difference—not just medically, but emotionally. Katie truly embodies the spirit of the DAISY Award: a nurse whose compassion, persistence, and patient-centered care exceed expectations. Her efforts ensured this vulnerable patient was not alone—and had the access and support she deserved.