The DAISY Award was created by the parents of Patrick Barnes, after their son passed away, in an effort to recognize, honor, and celebrate the compassion of nurses and those that go above and beyond every day. Oftentimes, especially in Critical Care, “above and beyond” is the expectation. That is the standard that we hold ourselves to because we know that it is the standard that our patients deserve. Because of that, going above and beyond does not always get the recognition and praise it deserves until it is far superior to the standard we have set for ourselves and our team. But then you have nurses like Kelley.

If you were to ask Kelley’s coworkers about her, you will immediately see a smile, followed by a simple, “I love Kelley.” Enquire a little deeper and you will hear things like, “She always goes above and beyond,” “She puts so much heart into her work,” “She is always smiling and never has anything bad to say,” and “I never have to worry about Kelley’s patients when she is here.” I get the privilege of watching her practice every day, and I can attest that all of those things are true.

Kelley can often be found sitting and talking with her patients, getting to know them on a level that is deeper than their illness. She recognizes that humans need and deserve a personal connection, especially in times of sickness.

I have witnessed Kelley sit and listen to a man that is emotionally exhausted, crying, and expressing his desire to no longer live in his current state. After spending time with Kelley and experiencing her spirit of kindness and caring, the patient was able to smile, and even laugh by the end of the day.

I have witnessed Kelley be the intercessor between a patient who coming to the end of their life and the family of that patient that is experiencing great loss; she has the ability to be the nurse that the patient requires and the support that the family needs simultaneously.

Patients and their families often remember Kelley, even if many shifts have passed since she was their assigned nurse. They often recall the kindness and compassion that she gave them, along with the security that they felt while they were in her care. She does her work quietly and humbly, but her compassion and love for others are never unseen.

Kelley’s clinical skills are extraordinary, but the heart and passion for others coupled with those skills is what makes her exceptional.