Kelli role models extraordinary behavior in multiple different ways on the Bone Marrow Transplant unit. She is often one of our Charge nurses and does a wonderful job at supporting and leading her fellow bedside nurses. She does an amazing job at building up the team around her. When I was a new nurse on the unit, Kelli would always give me compliments about things I did well and while she probably did not think much of it because that is just her personality, it really helped me to become a stronger and more confident nurse today. She always brings a positive energy to work, which is something our whole team benefits from.

Another reason Kelli is extraordinary is her drive to advocate for patients and families. She is a strong, yet respectful advocate when patients, families, nurses, therapies, PCAs, etc. feel like their concerns are not being heard or met. As a lead charge RN, she is knowledgeable about our patients and helps others' concerns be heard for better patient outcomes.

Lastly, Kelli does a wonderful job of interacting with patients. I remember multiple times as a PCA and RN when I was really impressed and learned from her interactions. She gives each patient time and respect in difficult situations. She is very calm and talks to patients with amazing therapeutic communication. 

An example where Kelli created an environment of trust, compassion, mutual respect, and continued professional development was when I was a new grad nurse and we had a sick patient transferring back to the BMT unit. I already had my assignment for the shift but Kelli walked up to me and asked if I would mind changing my assignment to take this patient instead. She did not force me to take them but did explain that they were very sick and she needed a strong nurse, like myself, to take them. As a newer nurse at the time, this small comment meant the world to me. She not only trusted me with this patient but helped me to become a more confident nurse. Kelli recreates a trusting, mutually respected relationship with all of her fellow bedside RNs. The environment she builds leads to greater professional development for the entire unit.

Kelli promotes and enhances the image of nursing by volunteering her time being a nursing mentor - someone to help a new RN grow in their first year on BMT. I was lucky to have Kelli as my mentor, she was always open to answering my questions, concerns or have a chat. As a mentor, Kelli is helping new nurses grow into stronger, more confident, knowledgeable nurses. When we have these strong senior nurses helping to lead the new nurses, this in turn helps the organization, community, and profession.