Kerry comes to work every single day and has interactions with patients and staff that set her apart from others. I began working with Kerry in April 2016. She was my preceptor on the inpatient pediatric unit and I was so excited to begin my new job, but nervous because when anyone starts a new job you typically do not know anyone and it can be intimidating.
Kerry immediately made me feel at ease on my first day and was so warm and welcoming. I quickly learned this wasn't just with new and current staff, but with her patients and their family members as well.
Our unit has several patients who frequently have extended stays where their parents cannot stay with them every day due to living far away, having other children or working full time. I've lost track of how many times Kerry has gone to the store when these patients with chronic illnesses are admitted to purchase different crafts and activities to keep them busy while they are there alone. I have watched her make slime with patients, find recipes to make play dough, and to make her stand out even more, she tests the recipes out at home to make sure they aren't a disappointment!
Hospitals can be a scary place for anyone, but especially a child. Kerry makes time spent in the hospital less traumatic for the children we take care of. Every week, it seems one of our long-term patients who has been discharged stops by to say hello, and they all always ask if Kerry is working! I have witnessed parents thank Kerry for making their child look forward to staying inpatient long term, saying they are excited to come back and see what plans she has come up with this hospitalization!
Our unit also sees many different diagnoses. We take care of patients before and after surgery, children receiving chemotherapy, and sick newborn babies, just to name a few. Somehow Kerry manages to display a wealth of knowledge about the illness of every patient she cares for and is able to make parents feel at ease while educating them about what to expect throughout their stay and how to take care of their child once they discharge home. Kerry manages to always have a calming, soothing, positive demeanor, which is so important when caring for sick children and their worried families.
Kerry has become a mentor to me and someone I greatly admire and strive to be like. She is an incredible nurse, patient advocate, and co-worker. She recently became a Certified Pediatric Nurse and even helped me pass my own CPN exam by studying with me and encouraging me! She has positive interactions with everyone she comes into contact with and is a true DAISY Nurse.