Tami Kennedy's clinical skill and especially her compassionate care exemplify the kind of nurse that our patient, families and staff recognize as an outstanding role model.

Our 88 year old mother was a patient for 2 weeks. Mom was on a roller coaster; we never knew what to expect-bipap, pneumothorax, collapsing lung, low 02 saturation, ventilator, sedation, drainage chest tube, clogged tube, more tubes, ambulance trips on and on it went. All new and frightening to us as we watched mom struggle to live. Through it all, Tami was there, working tirelessly, diligently, helping mom and helping us understand issues and ramifications. She patiently explained things to us, sometimes more than once, until we got it. Of utmost importance to her was mom's comfort-she had promised that to mom. Tami was also concerned-expressed repeatedly-about each of us, Mom's family, as we went through our own emotional and exhausting roller coaster rides. We looked forward each day to see Tami. She obviously cared deeply for mom. Tami became like family to us- I wanted to hug her hello and goodbye. Everyday her knowledge and skills were evident. Such as, for 1 tiny example, the day 02 saturation was dropping, chest tubes were in-Tami analyzed the best position to put mom into with those tubes in order to maximize 02 saturation. It worked.

Tami's tireless, devoted, dedicated and skilled passion for our mother's well being made a huge impression on us. We have nothing but the highest praise for the doctors, nurses and therapist who came to mom's aid. Tami stood out as a nurse willing and able to go beyond the normal call of duty.