I was rounding with a patient who could not stop praising the nurses, the staff, and the facility. The patient complimented the many staff members on how friendly each and every one of them has been. She said, "We can see that you aren't just working here. You are family." The patient was grateful in her praise of everyone but especially she was grateful for Kaydee Nokes. When she started describing how Kaydee had helped her she was overcome with emotion. She was very critically ill at the time. Her husband then informed me that her heart rate was 50 and her blood pressure was in the 50s. The patient stated that she could feel herself "going". The patient said she could hear Kaydee's voice telling her what she needed to do and to stay with her. She remembers drifting off to sleep and Kaydee waking her up and encouraging her to stay awake. Kaydee gave her clear information as to what was going on and what she and Kaydee needed to do to get her better. She tearfully stated, "She is my angel." While this patient was having such a critical moment Kaydee was tending to the patient's emotional needs, gathering assistance from her co-workers, contacting physicians, intervening with medications and reassuring her husband the entire time. All the while Kaydee remained calm, collected and confident.
She follows up with each and every one of her patients she has cared for when she is at work. She takes the time to talk to each one individually to make sure they are doing well, answering questions, educating and ensuring that their needs are met. Kaydee's coworkers continuously have positive things to say about her. She is always willing to help and is smiling. She can be counted on for great support in any situation. She truly exudes a comforting, compassionate, and knowledgeable nurse with the most gracious humility.