June 2026 Honoree
Kelly Bacon, RN
I would like to commend Kelly Bacon because she reminded me that exceptional nursing is about caring for the whole person, not just the medical condition. Kelly was my nurse during two day shifts on the 7th floor, and from the very beginning, she made a lasting impact on my hospital stay. She was an outstanding nurse clinically, but what truly set her apart was the genuine connection she made with me as a person.
Every time Kelly came into my room, she brought a smile and a positive attitude. She always took the time to laugh with me, check on how I was doing, and make me feel like more than just another patient on her assignment. Even when she wasn't coming in to provide care, she would often stop by if she happened to be walking past my room just to chat for a minute. At the time, I don't think she realized just how much those brief conversations meant to me.
Being hospitalized was incredibly difficult. I was upset, emotionally drained, and desperately missing home. Those few extra minutes she spent talking with me became some of the brightest moments of my day. They helped lift my spirits, took my mind off everything I was going through, and gave me something to look forward to. What impressed me most was that I never had to tell Kelly how I was feeling emotionally. Somehow, she seemed to recognize it. She saw beyond my diagnosis and understood that I needed encouragement and human connection just as much as I needed medical care. I truly felt like she gravitated toward me because she recognized I was struggling, and her kindness made an enormous difference in helping me get through those difficult days.
Kelly's compassion wasn't something that could be taught—it came naturally. She demonstrated that nursing isn't just about medications, treatments, and charting. It's about seeing the person behind the patient and taking a few extra moments to remind them they matter. I will always remember Kelly not only for the excellent care she provided, but for the comfort, laughter, and hope she brought into my room when I needed it most. She made my hospital stay more bearable in ways she may never fully realize, and I am deeply grateful for her kindness. Kelly Bacon truly exemplifies the spirit of the DAISY Award.
Every time Kelly came into my room, she brought a smile and a positive attitude. She always took the time to laugh with me, check on how I was doing, and make me feel like more than just another patient on her assignment. Even when she wasn't coming in to provide care, she would often stop by if she happened to be walking past my room just to chat for a minute. At the time, I don't think she realized just how much those brief conversations meant to me.
Being hospitalized was incredibly difficult. I was upset, emotionally drained, and desperately missing home. Those few extra minutes she spent talking with me became some of the brightest moments of my day. They helped lift my spirits, took my mind off everything I was going through, and gave me something to look forward to. What impressed me most was that I never had to tell Kelly how I was feeling emotionally. Somehow, she seemed to recognize it. She saw beyond my diagnosis and understood that I needed encouragement and human connection just as much as I needed medical care. I truly felt like she gravitated toward me because she recognized I was struggling, and her kindness made an enormous difference in helping me get through those difficult days.
Kelly's compassion wasn't something that could be taught—it came naturally. She demonstrated that nursing isn't just about medications, treatments, and charting. It's about seeing the person behind the patient and taking a few extra moments to remind them they matter. I will always remember Kelly not only for the excellent care she provided, but for the comfort, laughter, and hope she brought into my room when I needed it most. She made my hospital stay more bearable in ways she may never fully realize, and I am deeply grateful for her kindness. Kelly Bacon truly exemplifies the spirit of the DAISY Award.
Thank you, Kelly, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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