After helping take care of her grandma when she was younger, Kacie Kula knew she wanted to go into nursing to care for seniors.
Today, Kula is a nurse at Good Samaritan Society – Albert Lea in Albert Lea, Minnesota. Kula began working at the location in August 2019. It was her first nursing job out of college.
In tribute to her hard work and dedication since then, Kula recently received the Good Samaritan Society’s first DAISY Award.
“I honestly couldn’t have gotten the DAISY Award without my great staff,” Kula said. “I couldn’t have taken care of family and residents like I do if it wasn’t for the CNAs. They are awesome.”
Every quarter, the Good Samaritan Society will use the DAISY Award to recognize nurses who consistently demonstrate excellence through their clinical expertise and extraordinary compassionate care.
‘There’s always one resident you’ll never forget’
Kula was nominated by a family who was touched by the care she gave their father at the end of his life.
“On our Dad’s last full day on Earth, this wonderful woman showed not only the technical expertise to help him rest comfortably and pain free, she literally doted on him,” the nomination reads. “We have only known Kacie for days but we truly love her and in our hearts and minds, she’s part of our family now and forever.”
Kula shares similar feelings about the resident and his family.
“I’ve been told there’s always one resident you’ll never forget and that was definitely him,” Kula said. “His family was beyond amazing.”
She says the residents are the best part of her job.
“I look out for them like they’re one of my grandparents. I feel like as soon as I got here, we all clicked and became family,” she said.
Kula says the pandemic has been tough on residents, but she’s glad they’re able to stay connected with family and friends. She helps them with video chats and makes sure a phone is handy if they have visitors outside.
She also spends time with them to help brighten their day.
“Anytime we have a little downtime, we go and sit with our residents and make sure they know we love them,” she said. “They’re our family.”
Read more
- Health care heroes: Caring for seniors in a pandemic
- Silver Linings Day recognizes senior care in North Dakota
- COVID-19 Q&A: Good Samaritan Society nursing leader
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Posted In Awards & Recognition, Nursing and Nursing Support, Sanford Stories, Senior Services
