Kaitlyn Gallaspy, a 2023 graduate of AUCON, was recently honored with the Daisy Award. Gallaspy works as a pediatric emergency room nurse at Children’s of Alabama Hospital in Birmingham. Her latest nomination praised her for being “compassionate, sweet, and having a warm presence,” with one patient noting, “she was very respectful, well-mannered, and had the best bedside manner! She made everyone in the room feel welcome.”
Gallaspy’s passion for nursing was deeply inspired by her grandmother, who she describes as “the embodiment of an inclusive nurse who consistently went above and beyond to care for all people, not just her patients.”
After graduating from Auburn, Gallaspy began her career at Children’s of Alabama. Hailing from Madison, Ala., she chose Auburn University, where many of her family members had studied, because it offered a challenging academic environment while still feeling like home. At Auburn, Gallaspy earned concurrent bachelor’s degrees in Spanish and Nursing. She reflects, “Auburn has an incredible community of the most encouraging and loving people that I have ever met.”
Driven by a passion for serving her community and fostering meaningful connections, Gallaspy joined several organizations during her time at Auburn. She believes that healthcare settings can be intimidating, especially when societal prejudices influence patient care. As she stated upon her graduation in 2023, “I recognize my privileges, and I want to be a nurse to actively combat these injustices, ensuring that all patients feel comfortable, cared for, and heard during vulnerable moments.” Her commitment to these values is evident in her recognition with the Daisy Award.
