“Moments like this — when we see colleagues rise above the heartbreak to create space for dignity, closure and love for a family — remind us why we keep showing up, even when it hurts.”
By Maureen Gilmer, Riley Children’s Health senior writer, mgilmer1@iuhealth.org
Brittany Daugherty and Kara Hall are both moms and nurses on the pediatric intensive care unit at Riley Hospital for Children.
It was their experience as moms that helped guide them through a particularly difficult time on the unit.
The two were recently honored as DAISY winners for their compassionate care of a family grieving the loss of one child while their other child remained hospitalized after an accident.
“They not only spent time caring for their patient, but they spent hours of their morning contacting multiple hospital team members to coordinate a way for this family to see their child and say goodbye,” wrote fellow nurse Kelsi Lawless.
“Recognizing how important this closure was, Brittany and Kara went above and beyond to make sure the family had the opportunity to grieve,” she said. “Both nurses leaned on their empathy and life experiences to advocate fiercely for the family.”
Daugherty, a PICU nurse for 14 years, and Hall, a PICU nurse for five years, both credit their team and a large group of people who came together to grant one family’s wish.
“They don’t teach this in nursing school,” said Hall, who has three young sons with her husband, Caleb. “It’s not a by-the-book thing.”
But she felt strongly that it was the right thing – from one mom to another.
“It’s hard for friends and family to understand why we as PICU nurses love what we do, especially considering the hard things we go through,” she said. “But it’s in those hard moments that we get to be there for those families.”
Neither nurse expected to receive a DAISY for their efforts. In fact, if they’re being honest, it feels a little strange. But they appreciate the acknowledgement all the same.
“What we do matters, and this is a small reminder of that,” said Daugherty, who has three kids with her husband, Kyle. “Small actions, big actions – they all make a difference.”
“All of these cases (in the PICU) hit close to my mama heart,” Hall said, which can be a weakness and a strength, but the two nurses wouldn’t have it any other way.
“Brittany and I shared tears that day, but we are very thankful to everyone who was involved in giving that family closure. There were a lot of people involved in this process. They know who they are.”
Lawless, who nominated her fellow nurses for the DAISY, said theirs is an example of why nurses do what they do.
“Brittany and Kara exemplify commitment to their patients and families,” she wrote. “They have always been nurses who go above and beyond, and their dedication has been a tremendous asset to our unit for many years.
“For me personally, witnessing their actions was a reminder my heart needed. PICU nursing can be emotionally exhausting, and burnout is real. But moments like this — when we see colleagues rise above the heartbreak to create space for dignity, closure and love for a family — remind us why we keep showing up, even when it hurts.”
Nominate a nurse who exemplifies excellent clinical skills and compassionate care here.
Photos submitted and by Mike Dickbernd, IU Health visual journalist, mdickbernd@iuhealth.org