February 2023
Kelly
DeSoto
,
RN
Operating Room
PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center
Vancouver
,
WA
United States

 

 

 

Kelly connects with her patients and their families on a personal level, not just learning their medical histories, but their stories.
In my ten years working in patient care, I have never met a nurse who more completely exemplifies the DAISY standards than Kelly. She is a passionate and dedicated advocate for both her patients and her fellow caregivers. Kelly connects with her patients and their families on a personal level, not just learning their medical histories, but their stories. She manages to give 100% to every person in her care every single time regardless of how long she has worked or how heavy the cases have been on her heart. She is so helpful and personable with her team while never hesitating to put her foot down on her patient’s behalf. She is the whole package- educated, informed, energetic, hardworking, competent, compassionate, genuine, friendly, and fearless.

When we had concerns about the safety and honesty of new staff, it was Kelly who took those well-founded concerns to management. When we were losing support staff to other departments, it was Kelly who rallied support for them. When there is a patient or caregiver safety concern, she is on the front line to advocate for change. I have seen her laugh and cry with her patients, holding their hands when they are fearful and cheering them on as they work toward improvement. Kelly listens to her patients intently and conveys information in a way they can understand.

I am baffled that she can be so vibrant and yet so humble. She is a true inspiration to anyone fortunate enough to work with her. Kelly is the definition of above and beyond. When there is a problem to be solved in the department, she is there doing the research and coming up with solutions. When fellow caregivers are struggling in their personal lives, she is there holding their heads above water. If I ever end up in a critical condition, lying on an OR table, I hope that Kelly is there. She gives so much and yet is so grateful for the opportunity to give. Frankly, the DAISY Award was founded to honor nurses like Kelly and while she serves her patients selflessly, I know that it would be the greatest honor of her career to be recognized as the extraordinary nurse that she is with a DAISY Award.