Kelli Karavas
June 2018
Kelli
Karavas
,
RN
NCH Northeast Freestanding ED
NCH Healthcare System
Naples
,
FL
United States
This evening I had the honor of witnessing a beautiful act of kindness and selflessness. A young woman presented to our ED after being severely beaten by her significant other. She was rightfully terrified by her surroundings and the earlier events she experienced. She was reluctant to speak and impart details. Kelli Karavas, without hesitation, stepped away from her computer, closed the door and sat down on the bed with this patient.
Walking past a few minutes later I got to witness the patient embracing Kelli and crying, as I could also see tears rolling down her cheek as well. Kelli came over later and shared with me their exchange and how this young woman had touched her heart and soul. She also expressed that she wished she had the courage to report the man who was repeatedly abusing her.
Not more than 30 minutes later the patient pressed the call light and as I responded she asked me to please notify the authorities as she wished to report the violence. She told me that Kelli's conversation with her had given her the courage to help herself and others that he may do this to. The patient verbalized that Kelli's words and her empathy for the situation were so genuine that she knew it was the right thing to do.
Authorities arrived, resources were provided, and the patient was able to be discharged into safe hands. On the way leaving the department the patient sought out Kelli and gave her a long hug and thanked her for all she did to change her way of thinking and possibly her life. She came around to my desk and gave me a hug and said thank you for "getting her safe". Even though these patients present to our ED often, not often are people able to recognize the need for help and find the courage to make choices that can improve their existence.
Repeatedly this patient gave credit to Kelli and praised her for being passionate about the care of her patients and how she felt some higher power brought Kelli into her life on that very day. I wanted to nominate Kelli to make her aware of how truly amazing she is and what a positive influence she can be in her role as a nurse. Her actions mimic why we choose this profession and how we should be to our patients, Every. Single. Day.
Walking past a few minutes later I got to witness the patient embracing Kelli and crying, as I could also see tears rolling down her cheek as well. Kelli came over later and shared with me their exchange and how this young woman had touched her heart and soul. She also expressed that she wished she had the courage to report the man who was repeatedly abusing her.
Not more than 30 minutes later the patient pressed the call light and as I responded she asked me to please notify the authorities as she wished to report the violence. She told me that Kelli's conversation with her had given her the courage to help herself and others that he may do this to. The patient verbalized that Kelli's words and her empathy for the situation were so genuine that she knew it was the right thing to do.
Authorities arrived, resources were provided, and the patient was able to be discharged into safe hands. On the way leaving the department the patient sought out Kelli and gave her a long hug and thanked her for all she did to change her way of thinking and possibly her life. She came around to my desk and gave me a hug and said thank you for "getting her safe". Even though these patients present to our ED often, not often are people able to recognize the need for help and find the courage to make choices that can improve their existence.
Repeatedly this patient gave credit to Kelli and praised her for being passionate about the care of her patients and how she felt some higher power brought Kelli into her life on that very day. I wanted to nominate Kelli to make her aware of how truly amazing she is and what a positive influence she can be in her role as a nurse. Her actions mimic why we choose this profession and how we should be to our patients, Every. Single. Day.