Promise fulfilled: A nurse's commitment to her patients
Described by her colleagues as, "the epitome of what a nurse should be," Kayley Wallace is recognized for her compassionate and exceptional care.
Exhausted, confused, and overwhelmed. Those were the words used to describe how one mother and her son felt when illness landed them in the hospital.
But a promise made—and fulfilled—by their nurse Kayley Wallace helped both patient and mom feel comforted and cared for with dignity.
Patient-family centered care
Wallace, BSN, RN, CMSRN, has a strong focus on patient-family centered care on the medical/surgical unit at the downtown campus—and it shows. For her empathy and compassion, the patient’s mother nominated her for a DAISY Award.
“Kayley was such a wonderful care provider for my son (the patient) and me,” says her nominator. “Kayley introduced herself and promised that she would take care of us. Well, that was an understatement!”
If you talk with Kayley’s colleagues, this description will come as no surprise. “Kayley truly is the epitome of what a nurse should strive to be. She is the voice of her patients. She listens and advocates for what is truly needed for continuum of care,” says Susan McCulley, BSN, RN, assistant nurse manager on 3 West Medical. “Kayley is such an asset to her coworkers as well. She always lends a helping hand no matter what the task entails. She is such a great role model, and I speak for our team, we are lucky to have her.”
The award nomination goes on to say, “Her knowledge of nursing shined through with the exceptional skills that she utilized. Beyond that, however, her genuine care for my son was a true blessing for us. He was nervous, uncomfortable … Kayley comforted him emotionally and physically while treating him with dignity the entire time.”
It doesn’t come as a surprise that this is the second DAISY Award Kayley has won. She was recognized in May 2020 for the care she provided on 5 South at the university campus, where she worked in the past.
Kayley initially began working at the downtown campus (then called Mercy Iowa City) in January 2023 as a travel RN and became a permanent member of the team in January 2024.
“Kayley's nursing skills emulate that of someone beyond her years. She shows kindness to not only her patients but also the patient's family and friends,” says Rachel Fratzke, MBA, MSN, RN, nurse manager, downtown campus. “Her focus is always on what is best for the patient and how she can be their biggest advocate. Kayley asks the right questions, helps others, and goes above and beyond for her patients.”
