ALAMOSA — Kathleen (Kat) Cummins, BSN, RN, is the SLVH DAISY Recipient. She works on the med/surg floor at the Regional Medical Center in Alamosa along with a great team of caregivers.

Kathleen admitted a patient who had emotionally shut down due to her prior negative experience. When this patient arrived, Kathleen noticed this patient had not established any rapport with her transport team.

The patient was hypoxic and was fluid overloaded with other symptoms that flagged the EMT’s attention, such as ashen in color. The EMT immediately instructed the transfer team to stop the fluid bolus and to sit the patient up. This patient is morbidly obese and has difficulty breathing in a supine position. This patient was not talking to anyone on the care team on arrival. These interventions quite possibly saved her life.

Once the patient arrived on the floor under Kathleen's care, she took the time to talk to the patient and gain the patient's trust. Kathleen was asking the patient questions and initially, the patient did not respond. Eventually, the patient responded with the comment, "Why should I talk when no one listens?"

Kathleen could see that this patient had just experienced something traumatic. She comforted the patient and expressed that she has every intention of developing a fresh and caring relationship with her. She listened to this patient with intent and gave autonomy back to this patient. This patient transformed from a hurt and discouraged person into a trusting and delightful woman.

Kathleen and the care team should be recognized for how they transformed this patient's experience and care into what any family member and member of the community deserves.

Why DAISY? Patrick Barnes woke up with some blood blisters in his mouth. A visit to the doctor revealed he had a dangerously low platelet count, and he was admitted to the hospital. The diagnosis was the auto-immune disease ITP (Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura).

The DAISY Foundation was established in 1999 by the family of J. Patrick Barnes who died from complications of the autoimmune disease Idiopathic Thrombocytopenia Purpura (ITP) at the age of 33. DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System. The family wanted to recognize the nurses for providing extraordinary care to their loved ones.

Who can recommend an excellent nurse? Patients, family members of patients, co-workers, and visitors to SLV Health are all welcome to recognize a nurse for their outstanding care. To recommend a nurse at SLV Health for the DAISY award, go to https://app.roundsplus.getwellnetwork.com/SurveyAction/SurveyGo/xjvBd5ceWj6Sz?u=4416

Which credentials qualify for a DAISY nomination? Registered Nurse (RN), Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), Certified Nurse Mid-Wife (CNM), Nurse Practitioner (NP), or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).

Visit www.slvh.org/about-us/daisy-nursing-excellence to read about SLVH’s other recipients, submit an application, or learn more.