There are so many examples of Kelly's compassion and the significant impact she makes in the lives of her patients and their families. Many of these patients cannot nominate her because they have either passed away or are unable to share their stories for other reasons. I would like to share a few stories that I've witnessed on behalf of those individuals and families.
One patient who has dementia and was very frustrated and scared did not want to stay in her room. This wasn't even Kelly's patient, but she took the time to walk with her in the halls and sit with her. She played some Frank Sinatra and folded washcloths with her to keep her calm and occupied. She went above and beyond to keep this patient safe.
Another moment that sticks out in my mind is when we were at Jodi's Race for Ovarian Cancer Awareness and the husband of one of Kelly's patients, who we lost to ovarian cancer, was there. He spotted her among the crowd of hundreds of people in attendance and walked right up to her and gave her a big hug. They cried together and then talked for a while about his wife and he told us how special Kelly is to them. I could tell from this conversation how deep her personal connection had been with this patient and family. They were talking about things as if they were old friends.
I've seen Kelly decorate patients' rooms for their birthdays or anniversaries as well as coordinate flowers form the team for funerals and memorial services for our patients.
Kelly has a talent for making genuine personal connections with her patients and their families. One patient who we cared for was with us for many weeks and Kelly really brightened her days with her sense of humor and calming warm personality. She'd received a terrible diagnosis and prognosis and we knew she only had a short time let. When things took a turn for the worst, she was transferred to CCU. Kelly would go after her shift to spend time with the patient and her family in CCU. When this patient passed away, her husband ran upstairs and found Kelly, a familiar face and friend. He hugged her and cried and she was so comforting during this heartbreaking moment in his life.
I remember back a couple of years when Kelly was a new grad and I was a new director. I thought she was quiet and serious. As time went on, I've come to realize she is one of the funniest people I've ever met. With her magnetic personality, she truly has the gift to connect with people and enrich lives. I am so grateful to know Kelly and honored to witness the difference she makes every day in the lives of her patients and their families.