“From the moment Whitney received my mom as a patient, she treated her like family,” said the daughter of a patient who was hospitalized after a fall.
Inspired by the care her mother received, the patient’s daughter nominated Whitney Moore, BSN, RN, LVN, for The DAISY Award®, an international recognition for exceptional nursing care.
A staff nurse in the medical-surgical unit at Kaiser Permanente Vacaville Medical Center, Moore credits her approach to simple but meaningful acts of connection.
“I gave my patient my full attention by listening carefully and maintaining eye contact,” she said. Moore has been with Kaiser Permanente for seven years and a registered nurse for the past two.
Care patients never forget
“My patients may not recall every medical detail, but they will remember how I made them feel,” said Moore.
To help patients feel comfortable and supported, Moore begins each visit by introducing herself and taking time to understand each patient’s needs and concerns.
“Are you in pain? Is there anything I can do for you right now? Do you need water? Do you need to use the bathroom?” she asks. “By addressing immediate needs, I help patients feel seen and heard. I also partner with patients to set daily goals that support their recovery.”
When Moore’s patient was admitted after a fall that left her with limited mobility, her goal was to take a bath. Moore’s goal was to help her sit at the edge of the bed, an important first step toward rebuilding her strength and independence.
The care Moore provided left a lasting impression on the patient and her family.
“She was the first nurse to bathe my mother,” the patient’s daughter said. “It refreshed her spirit and restored a sense of dignity during a very difficult time.”
Building trust through open communication
“Have you ever been in a hospital and felt like just another number?” Moore asked. “I want every patient to feel seen, heard, and cared for, not like they’re simply the next person in line.”
For Moore, this means open communication. “Before administering a new medication, I explain what it is, why it has been prescribed, and what patients can expect after taking it,” she said. “I also walk them through their options and answer questions so they can feel comfortable with their treatment plan.”
She also keeps patients informed about their discharge plans, whether they are ready to go home or need additional care, such as physical therapy. “I’m honest and transparent with my patients, just as I’d want someone to be with my loved one,” Moore said.
Why nursing is her purpose
Moore’s approach to nursing was shaped by her brother, who became paralyzed when he was 22 years old.
“I recall my brother’s nurses saying things that made him feel more like a burden than a person,” said Moore. “Patients deserve kindness, respect, and to be treated as individuals, especially during difficult moments.”
That philosophy guides her today and helped earn her a DAISY Award early in her nursing career.
“Being nominated is an honor,” Moore said. “I’m grateful for the support of my colleagues and the opportunity to make a difference in my patients’ lives every day.”