I had elective same-day surgery. Kami was my pre and post-procedure nurse. It was easy to see that Kami loved her role in the nursing care of the same-day surgery as she was kind and sincere in her interactions with me and my husband, thorough and thoughtful in her assessments and actions, and, most importantly, exceedingly calm and compassionate as I will describe in my experience.
My stay went as planned. But as I got ready to go home, my status changed requiring quick, concise, and careful attention. Kami provided all of these nursing interventions. Kami made sure all the wheels were in motion to meet my urgent care needs. She took care of me with that skill and expertise one would expect from a much older "more seasoned" nurse. And she took care of me as she would have expected to be cared for herself, like I was a family member like I was the only patient in the world. Kami even transferred me herself to the inpatient surgery area instead of waiting for a transport staff member. Kami reassured and supported me by talking with me continually during that quick wheelchair ride. Kami is small in stature (I am not!) and I could hear her breathing get a little bit shorter and quicker as the ride got closer to our destination, but it didn't slow her pace or her calming conversation. I remember thinking how lucky I was to have Kami as my nurse - someone who really went above and beyond to make sure I was alright. And when we arrived, I don't remember what she said, but she put her hands on my shoulders in such a way that I knew, in no uncertain terms, that everything was going to be alright. Kami called me the next morning to follow-up with me. That is how much she cares. My entire experience with Kami was truly the embodiment of how she lives the philosophy of Avera McKennan. I just cannot express enough accolades about this young woman. She is a true DAISY Nurse.