Bloomington DAISY Nurse Leader Kristen Kirk, LPN, helps others thrive

IU Health Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Team Lead Kristen Kirk, LPN, is committed to compassion, collaboration, empathy and patient safety—dedication that recently earned her the DAISY Nurse Leader Award.

Kristen's path to healthcare was inspired by her grandmother, a nurse, military veteran and role model who encouraged her family to lead a life of compassion and fairness. Her empathy, strength and dedication to serving others continue to guide Kristen today and reinforce her belief that empathy matters most.

“Nurses need to know why they are doing something, not just how,” she says. “At the core of every good nurse is compassion.”

Kristen works to create a culture where compassion thrives, emphasizing a safe, welcoming environment for patients and team members. She extended these efforts into her work to help improve infection prevention and patient safety in her area.

She shares, “Once the areas of improvement were identified, our team worked together to create solutions. It was an honor to be a part of the conversation and the overall resolution.”

The experience reinforces Kristen's commitment to collaboration and openness to new ideas, which is one of the reasons why she credits her team when speaking about her award.

“It’s reflective of the entire ENT team's commitment to hard work, dedication and compassion for patients,” she says. “I have the absolute honor to work with a team of people who genuinely care about each other.”