Recent Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences, Nursing graduate Katie Jannusch ’26 placed third in the 2026 Dr. Hope Babette Tang Humanism in Healthcare Essay Contest.
The contest is open to medical, nursing and graduate psychology students across the country. The essay prompted writers to reflect on a time when a health care professional put a patient at the center of their care. Jannusch said Nurse Maddie did just that when her late sister was in the NICU.
Compassion in the NICU
“I think that experience proves just how extraordinary nurses are,” Jannusch said. “They care for patients and families in ways that go far beyond physical care; they provide comfort, compassion and, at times, become like family.”
Jannusch said the inspiration for her essay, “The Nurse I Never Met,” came from her family’s experience when her late sister was in the hospital, and the care team that surrounded her family during one of the most difficult times in their lives.
Jannusch said she was honored and excited to learn that her essay had been recognized and awarded, given how deeply personal her essay was.
“Nurse Maddie treated my dying sister with the utmost dignity and respect while holding my parents’ hands through one of the darkest moments of their lives,” Jannusch said. “That went far beyond her job description; it was empathy in its purest form.”
Bernard Rousseau, Marilyn and Morgan Davies Dean of Harris College, said he and other faculty are immensely proud of Jannusch for the national recognition because it reflects the kind of nurse, and person, she has become.
“Katie’s essay reminds us that the most extraordinary moments in healthcare are often found not in groundbreaking technology or complex procedures, but in simple acts of compassion that leave a lasting impression on patients and families,” Rousseau said.
At TCU Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences, we strive to prepare future nurse leaders who combine exceptional clinical intuition and scientific acumen with genuine compassion, empathy, integrity and a deep commitment to human dignity. Katie represents the very best of TCU Nursing and the bright future of nursing.
- Bernard Rousseau, Marilyn and Morgan Davies Dean of Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences
From TCU Nursing to Family Nurse Practitioner
After graduating summa cum laude, Jannusch passed her NCLEX and became a licensed registered nurse.
Jannusch is continuing her education by starting her Master of Science in Nursing at Vanderbilt University School of Nursing to pursue her goal of becoming a Family Nurse Practioner.
“I am especially proud of Katie for receiving this recognition, as it exemplifies TCU Nursing’s mission to lead nursing education, practice, and scholarship, and the values that we strive to instill in our graduates,” Suzy Lockwood, associate dean for nursing, said. “Her winning essay highlights the importance of collaboration among healthcare team members, honors the inherent human dignity of every patient and demonstrates the innovation required to find meaningful ways to connect in today’s complex healthcare environment.”
During her four years at TCU, Jannusch was also part of the Student Nurses Association and Froggie Friends, a TCU program in which students mentor high school students who have special needs at a local high school.
Jannusch reflected on her time at TCU and said it will always hold a special place in her heart.
“TCU Nursing has shaped who I am as a person and taught me so many valuable skills,” Jannusch said. “The professors, faculty and the resources are incredible, so take advantage of everything they offer.”
For aspiring nurses, her advice – and theme of her essay – is that even the smallest moments of compassion can mean the most to patients and their families.
“There will be challenging days in the classroom and clinical but never underestimate the impact you can have on someone’s life,” Jannusch said.