Randie P Frieden
February 2026
Randie P
Frieden
,
RN, BSN, CDCES
DIAB
University of Iowa Health Care
Iowa City
,
IA
United States
She went above and beyond by creating a customized insulin regimen table that was easy to follow and tailored to the patient’s needs.
Randie turned a life-changing diagnosis into a success story through extraordinary care, compassion, and patient advocacy. During a recent admission for unrelated health issues, a patient was newly diagnosed with diabetes and faced challenges understanding complex medical information. Recognizing this, Randie adapted her teaching approach to ensure clarity and comprehension, dedicating significant time—an hour during the first session and 75 minutes during the second—to help the patient feel confident in managing diabetes at home. Randie provided comprehensive diabetes education focused on insulin management, healthy eating, and carbohydrate counting—a skill that can be especially difficult for someone newly diagnosed. She went above and beyond by creating a customized insulin regimen table that was easy to follow and tailored to the patient’s needs. Her teaching was clear, personalized, and empowering, giving the patient confidence and independence. The impact was remarkable. The patient changed his diet, began counting carbohydrates, and meticulously followed Randie’s guidance. He brought all his original paperwork, blood sugar logs, and notes to his second admission, demonstrating his commitment and appreciation for Randie’s teaching. In just two weeks at home, he achieved excellent blood sugar control, with only four readings above 150 mg/dL. During his readmission for an unrelated issue, the patient expressed deep gratitude for Randie’s efforts and requested that any insulin changes be reflected in the same clear format she had provided previously. This level of engagement and success speaks to Randie’s ability to motivate and equip patients for long-term health. Randie’s dedication, creativity, and compassion not only improved clinical outcomes but also transformed this patient’s confidence and quality of life. Her commitment to individualized care and patient education truly embodies the spirit of the DAISY Award and the extraordinary difference nurses make every day.