Nursing requires this incredibly intricate combination of compassion and skill. To be a nurse in the ICU – triple that. To be the kind of ICU nurse that Kelly is – there’s not even math for that. Kelly is a fierce advocate for her patients, determined to always do what is right for them. Though early in her career, Kelly already has the mindset, and skill set, of someone who has been doing this work for decades. Her expertise in her field is an example to all of us, and her calm, level-headed demeanor means she’s always ready for the next ICU challenge. This was all true before the greatest challenge of our careers set in.

Then came COVID-19. Then came COVID-19 landing in Gallup, NM near the top of the list for outbreak severity, and RMCHCS ICU suddenly full of extremely critically ill patients. Challenges like this break some people. Watching people get incredibly sick and sometimes die, alone, separated from family, compounded by thoughts of one’s own family at home. Challenges like this break some people. And challenges like this change some people forever.

Kelly immediately, without a second of hesitation, jumped into this challenge with both feet. Jumped in despite the extreme personal sacrifice of sending her young daughter to live apart to keep her safe through the pandemic. Nursing is a profession of love, caring, dedication, and sacrifice, but few exemplify those values as wholeheartedly as Kelly Manuelito. If I’m recovering in the ICU – or dying in the ICU – Kelly is who I want at my bedside, with the skill to do everything I need and the heart to do it all with great love and kindness. Kelly is a true DAISY Nurs.