Kate, Nurse of the Year at Aurora Lakeland Medical Center, is a charge nurse in the ICU, fostering a positive work culture and advocating for her patients with compassion. She supports initiatives that improve patient safety while also focusing on professional development, mentoring new nurses with confidence and care. Her leadership in identifying nursing quality indicators has advanced patient care initiatives, earning her a DAISY nomination. Kate's positive attitude enhances trust and connection among colleagues and patients alike. “The people I've worked with have been the biggest driver in shaping the nurse I am today. I strongly believe if I wasn't surrounded by amazing nurses, I would not have accomplished half of what I have. When I was in third grade, I became ill and was hospitalized for about a month. During this time, I had many nurses, but one stood out above the rest. Her name was Kate. I remember walking the halls to check the whiteboard daily to see if she was there and if I was lucky enough to have her as my nurse again. I don't remember everything she did for me medically, but I still remember the way she made me feel. Every time she entered the room, she didn't make me feel overwhelmed or scared about being sick, but would make me laugh and smile, and feel at ease. This feeling is what I aim to give to each patient I come into contact with.” (fb)

The NICU team at Aurora Sinai Medical Center is highlighting the incredible benefits of Kangaroo Care (skin-to-skin contact) for our tiniest patients and their families. Did you know Kangaroo Care can: 💗 Strengthen the parent-baby bond 🌡️ Regulate baby’s temperature and heartbeat 🧠 Support brain development 🍼 Boost breastfeeding success 😊 Reduce stress and pain 🏥 Shorten hospital stays Learn more about Sinai's birthing center & women's health care: https://bit.ly/3S81lVZ (fb)