Kandace Orr has been a nurse for over 30 years. She currently works in the Pediatric Dialysis Unit. Her cardiac background gave great comfort to one of our patients in particular. This child was born without functional kidneys and would need dialysis almost immediately after birth. Prior to the child being born, the mother faced challenging decisions based on her understanding of the outcomes. With the child's diagnosis and impending chronic needs, the mother was concerned the child would not live very long nor have a quality of life. This child was the first we had provided hemodialysis to of her size. She was less than 3kg. Most patients this size are on peritoneal dialysis and do quite well. In her situation, her peritoneum was not working for peritoneal dialysis and we had to provide hemodialysis. The challenge for her was that she was so small, her dialysis catheter was so small and flimsy, and she had to get a blood prime for every treatment because we had so much of her blood outside of her body at one time. To say we all were a bit nervous was an understatement. Our desire is to provide high-quality excellent care to all patients, and this child would be no different.
Kandace was not only serving as a frontline nurse, she was also an educator for the PDU, and a primary nurse for this patient. Kandace sprung into action to work diligently on helping the team feel more comfortable with dialyzing a child less than 3kg. She worked with the nurse manager to develop a policy on blood priming the machine that would best support the patient and prevent hyperkalemia as well. Kandace reassured the mother and the team that we knew what we were doing and we were going to provide excellent care to the child. Over the course of the child's three years with us; she had many ups and downs. In the hemodialysis setting, Kandace was the constant for this family and provided reassurance along with genuine care and concern to alleviate the added stressors that come along with a chronic illness.
The child ended up on peritoneal dialysis during her three years; however, came back to hemodialysis due to an infection. Due this time, the team got to see the child grow and develop and hit some milestones. One of the greatest milestones (I believe Kandace may think so) was when the child would call out for Kandace or ask for her specifically. Children are so incredibly resilient and aware of their surroundings more than adults give them credit for. This child knew that Kandace was her nurse and enjoyed Kandace's care and comfort (as did the mother). Ultimately this child passed away due to complications; however, Kandace (and the dialysis team) made an incredible impact on this child and her mother, giving them three years with this kiddo. Kandace has worked tirelessly as a nurse and gives back to the patients she cares for. To think about how many patients and families Kandace has touched in over thirty years is humbling. Through all those she has served, this child and mother felt safe, cared for, and deep comfort knowing Kandace was on the team.
Kandace goes above and beyond in the care she provides others. She is thoughtful and compassionate. While she serves in many roles in the PDU and with the Pediatric Surge Pool team, everyone knows Kandace puts the patient first in all she does. Even in the education she provides to others, her focus remains on helping others understand the why behind what they are doing, learning, and the care they need to be providing.
A quote that truly defines Kandace and her nursing career was shared by an unknown author, "Respect is earned. Honesty is appreciated. Trust is gained. Loyalty is returned." Kandace has not only lived by this with her patients but does her best to instill this in others. As an experienced and seasoned nurse, respect is one of the most important things to Kandace. She is a brilliant nurse, a dedicated employee, and a trusted friend to many. Kandace is well-rounded, chooses to share her knowledge for the hope that she can impact others to provide the best care to patients and their families, and she herself serves as an example when it comes to providing quality care. She is a true DAISY Nurse.