DAISY Award—Kristan Kovach

Kristan Kovach
Davis 5 Neonatal Units/NICU/SCN

Submitters Name: Alison Fairhurst

Kristan is an unsung hero for some of our toughest NICU cases. Kristan is an absolutely incredible nurse, super skilled, smart, positive, hardworking and she truly does A+ quality work every single time she comes to work. Fortunately for our toughest patients, she is also deeply committed to primary nursing. Kristan is never without a primary patient and without fail, every single time, she chooses the patient that really needs her the most and that others might shy away from for various reasons. We had a recent very long term patient that was known to have a poor outcome and did not have family support. Kristan signed right up and she was determined to bring out the best in this baby. No matter how sick he was or whether there was family participation, Kristan made a milestone sign, special outfit for every holiday, read to him, advocated for him in care meetings and looked for ways to optimize his course. After months of being immobile due to edema and on maximum ventilation, the baby unexpectedly started to improve a bit. Once he was stable enough to move, he was out of bed charting on Kristan's lap or sitting in his chair being talked to. On several occasions like this with similar patients, I have thought to myself that there's no way the patient would have ever come as far without Kristan's care, oversight and advocacy day in and day out. These little patients may never know that Kristan made such a profound difference in their lives, but there is no question that every primary she takes is better off for her presence and dedication during their NICU stay. I am constantly floored by Kristan's compassion and her capacity to do this over and over and over again in the toughest of situations. Kristan is a nursing hero in my book, and she is an amazing testament to the power of primary nursing.

Submitters Name: Vadim Kolosov

I would like to nominate Kristan Kovach for the DAISY Award in recognition of her exceptional care and compassion in the NICU. Kristan goes above and beyond in every aspect of her work, particularly when it comes to caring for critically ill children with complex medical and social needs.

Kristan regularly volunteers to be the primary nurse for some of our most vulnerable NICU patients, especially infants who require long-term care, sometimes for several months. She doesn’t just focus on their medical needs, Kristan forms deep, meaningful connections with these infants. She is often the one to hold intubated babies, gently bathe them, and read to them, providing them with comfort and love when their families are unable to be there. She has even used some of her own money to buy toys and clothing for some of her primary patients. It’s clear that she sees her patients not just as cases, but as individuals deserving of compassion and emotional care.

Her time management and organizational skills are outstanding. She’s able to juggle a busy caseload while ensuring each child gets the attention and care they need. Kristan also approaches her work with an incredibly positive attitude, which has a lasting impact on her patients, their families, and her colleagues.

Kristan's ability to balance the technical and emotional aspects of nursing makes her an extraordinary NICU nurse. She truly goes the extra mile to make a difference in the lives of the children and families she cares for, always with a kind heart and unwavering dedication.

For all these reasons, I believe Kristan is more than deserving of the DAISY Award. Her selflessness, professionalism, and exceptional patient care make her a standout member of our NICU team.

Thank you for considering Kristan for this well-deserved recognition.