CHRISTUS Health honored for care of traumatic brain injury patient in Jacksonville

A CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital - Jacksonville care unit is being honored for extraordinary care and unwavering compassion in treating a traumatic brain injury patient.

In February 2024, 24-year-old Kaitlyn Dunn was a motorcycle passenger who suffered severe injuries when the motorcycle lost control, flipped and skidded more than 150 feet, crashing through an end-of-road barrier.

She was transported by ambulance to a nearby landing zone and then flown to a Houston-area hospital in critical condition.

After experiencing seizures post-accident, Dunn’s case was accepted by the Jacksonville team, knowing she faced a slow and uncertain recovery road ahead.

Through the collaborative dedication of CHRISTUS nurses, nursing assistants, therapists, physicians, housekeepers, dietary staff and others, Dunn experienced a remarkable transformation. Along the way, her CHRISTUS team celebrated every small milestone, from her first steps to sharing meals and creating art together.

“This young woman transformed the heart of our unit,” said Jamie Maddox, chief nursing officer. “She reminded us of our purpose, and we are better caregivers because of her.”

Due to the care provided, the entire unit was awarded a DAISY Team Award from the DAISY Foundation. The DAISY Award is an international recognition program that honors and celebrates the extraordinary, compassionate care provided by nurses.

More than a year after Dunn’s discharge, the inpatient swing bed unit received their award during a ceremony in honor of National Hospital Week last month.

"This award is not just a recognition of compassionate care; it’s a reflection of the strength, unity and heart of an entire team of nurses who show up every day for others together," Maddox said.

During her two-month stay, Dunn became a source of inspiration throughout the care unit. Staff encouraged her with signs, walked with her through hospital gardens and created personalized therapy incentives, including trips to the micro-market for her favorite treats.

Now continuing her journey of recovery at home, Dunn keeps in touch with the staff who made such an impact. She can recall names, hold conversations and is steadily improving her speech.

During the award ceremony, she sent a video in which she proudly and excitedly told her care team about the improvements she has made in mobility, hand-eye coordination and even how she’s driving her uncle’s truck around the yard.

“I really cannot wait to see you all again,” Dunn said in the video. “I miss you and I love you all.”