DAISY Award Winner: Kathryn Merola

Having a baby during a pandemic is stressful enough, but when the baby is a “rainbow” baby, parents-to-be often feel even more anxious. Thanks to Fort Sanders Regional labor and delivery nurse Katie Merola, our October 2020 DAISY winner, one patient was able to remain calm. Katie showed compassion and understanding while helping mom have the best labor experience possible. With visitor restrictions still in place, the patient was thankful that Katie helped involve the patient’s mom and son who were anxiously waiting at home. Katie even went out of her way to check on the patient and her baby after delivery. Her nominator said, “I will forever be grateful having her there to coach and become a familiar and friendly face, not just a nurse doing her ‘job.’ Any woman who has Katie as their L&D nurse is super lucky!” Thanks for the great work, Katie!