Recently, Kayla made the day/night for a patient on the 3rd floor. After living in the hospital for 44 days (a lifetime and a half according to the patient), Kayla took the time to connect with the patient. At midnight on November 8, 2022, Kayla took the patient for a Birthday stroll. Not only was it the patient's Birthday, but it was also the blood moon that only happens once every three years. The wheelchair, monitor, patient care supplies, blankets, and the patient were all packaged up and taken for some well-needed and deserved fresh air. As the patient described it, she can’t remember the last time in 11 years that she had seen the night sky and stars without being under some type of drug or substance. Kayla made the patient feel more than an addict, and she shared her story with the patient. The patient felt heard, seen, and finally accepted as more than a disease. The patient also jokingly said that Kayla was making her a better person with one “Mom stare” at a time! Kayla encouraged her to push through the bad, stand up for her needs, and see the good in herself that she thought was long gone! Kayla is also the person that teammates are comfortable approaching with their needs. She is “more than a leader” as she approaches her work ethic. On and off the job, Kayla is open to listening and communicating with the team. She “keeps it real” through her connections with the team, all while maintaining the leadership needs that come with being a Clinical Supervisor. For her teammates, Kayla pushed through COVID patients and 7-8 patient assignments, all while being 9-months pregnant. She never made or makes the team feel like she is above any task and will actually do the tasks that others are unwilling to do. Kayla cleans, mops, takes vitals, passes meds, balances schedules, provides feedback, and maintains order all while doing most of these tasks at home too. She has a way with everyone, and is never afraid to teach, listen, learn, or go to bat for all those she serves and works with. Don’t do something to one of Mama Kayla’s team or the Mama Bear will protect. We are so grateful for her care, her leadership, her compassion, and her commitment to Atrium Health and the Union 3rd floor team!