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Susan K.F. Kau, RNC-NIC: The Priceless Gift of Recognition in Nursing

May 2, 2025

By: Kaitlyn Gomez

Susan K.F. Kau, RNC-NIC, is a certified neonatal intensive care nurse with more than four decades of experience. As a staff nurse at Kapi’olani Medical Center for Women and Children, Ms. Kau puts patient care above all else.

For Ms. Kau, the global nursing shortage remains a persistent problem, with many stakeholders attempting to devise strategic interventions to recruit and retain nurses. However, she believes that one way to help minimize some of the challenges in NICU bedside nursing is through peer-to-peer (colleague-to-colleague) mentoring. “Our new graduates/nurses are tomorrow’s ‘foundations’ of bedside nursing,” she says.

Through mentoring, Ms. Kau hopes to utilize her knowledge as a seasoned clinician and bedside RN to leave a lasting impression on the hearts of new nurses, helping them grow in the profession. “One of the ways I do this is through informal recognition of their accomplishments, no matter how small, or just being there for them. Taking the time to listen is priceless,” she adds.

Believing that compensation/wages for work done is a right and recognition is a gift, Ms. Kau emphasizes the importance of letting people know they are significant and appreciating them.

“Over my many years of being a bedside RN, I know that nurses who felt supported by their administrations, colleagues, and peers tended to remain in their positions longer. These are areas where the strategies should be focused, as retention matters for our young patients and their families. The gift of ‘empowerment’ from an experienced nurse to a less seasoned one can last a lifetime. I first learned about the concept of “mentoring” from an article in Forbes magazine, which explained how it works in a business context. I believe it can work in nursing,” Ms. Kau stresses.

In addition, Ms. Kau believes that patient safety must come first for the nursing field to move forward, emphasizing the importance of advocating for patients and educating the community. With these staffing shortages, she aims to highlight the vital work of nurses in ensuring patient safety.

About Ms. Kau

As a gifted student with high academic goals, Ms. Kau initially planned to major in Latin in college. However, an emergency appendectomy on her 16th birthday sparked her interest in nursing. The clinical assistant who assisted with her care discussed her experiences in the field with her. This experience shifted her academic and professional goals. She obtained a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Hawaii in 1982 and began her career in clinical care shortly after.

Early in her career, Ms. Kau discovered her passion for working with neonates. She furthered her education, completing a national certification course in neonatal intensive care nursing in 1988. Today, she continues to specialize in caring for high-need and preterm infants at Kapi’olani Medical Center for Women and Children, a major hospital serving the urban Honolulu area.

Recognized for Her Dedication

In recognition of her dedication to and passion for her work, Ms. Kau has received numerous awards. These include the 2016 Nurse of the Year Award from Caring For Hawaii Neonates and the 2022 Royal Order of Kapi’olani Award, an exclusive award presented to only three honorees who exemplify the goals of neonatal nursing care in the community.

Commitment to Growth

Driven by her passion for helping her patients, Ms. Kau remains dedicated to ongoing professional growth and excellence. This commitment is underscored by her active membership in various organizations, including the Hawaii Nurses Association, the Academy of Neonatal Nurses, Caring for Hawaii Neonates, and the National Association of Neonatal Nurses.

Additionally, Ms. Kau has shared her expertise and experiences through written works. She wrote a manuscript in February 2024 in NWH titled “A Passion for Life” and co-authored two books: “The Late Preterm Infant,” which was published in 2019, and “Neonatal Nursing: A Global Perspective,” which was published in 2022.

While Ms. Kau is a dedicated patient and community educator, she aims to inspire a commitment and passion for the nursing profession. She recognizes the importance of appreciating today’s nurses and the need to nurture their love for their work at every level.

In the coming years, Ms. Kau plans to retire and pursue community involvement and creative hobbies.

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