Unexpectedly, a facility administrator was diagnosed with COVID-19 and hospitalized for an extended period of time. With no preparation, Kelly Harper, clinical coordinator at the facility, stepped up and led the facility during difficult times. Kelly worked to comfort her team and maintain morale as the team worried about the well-being of their FA. In addition to fulfilling many of the FA duties, Kelly continued to work as a charge nurse and clinical coordinator. To top it off, Kelly worked to make sure the FA and her young son were personally cared for. She helped the DaVita Leave of Absence team secure needed paperwork while the FA was completely incapacitated, liaised between the FA's family and DaVita Leadership, and facilitated FaceTime visits with the FA's son and the hospital.
Kelly was not only a superb leader, but was also a dear friend. When it seemed like Kelly couldn't do any more, she still served her region by training two new clinical coordinators and several new FAs. Lastly, despite witnessing the devastating effects that COVID-19 had on her FA, with no questions asked, Kelly ran the COVID-19 cohorts in Harford County. During a time when many RNs said "no," Kelly said "yes" and put herself at risk for the sake of her patients and teammates. I am honored to nominate Kelly Harper for the Daisy Award. There are many nurses, but very few shine like Kelly Harper.