Kelsey Flood
January 2026
Kelsey
Flood
,
RN
7 West
Keck Hospital of USC
Los Angeles
,
CA
United States
This is a nurse who seamlessly balances clinical excellence with heartfelt compassion, strong advocacy, and deep respect.
My mother-in-law was admitted to Keck Hospital for extensive surgery as part of her cancer treatment. Following the procedure, she became critically ill and required care in the Intensive Care Unit on 7 East. Over the past six months, she has experienced multiple hospitalizations, allowing our family to interact with many nurses. While we are grateful for the care she has received overall, one nurse truly stood out. Kelsey Flood, who normally works on 7 West. My mother-in-law's primary language is Korean, a fact that has too often been overlooked by other healthcare providers. Despite our repeated requests for interpreter services, communication was frequently attempted in English and sometimes felt rushed or dismissive. From the very beginning, Kelsey's approach was different. She consistently advocated for my mother-in-law and ensured she was fully informed in her native language. Her interactions were marked by patience, warmth, and compassion, and she never appeared hurried. Even with an interpreter present, challenges still arose. There were moments when my husband noticed inaccuracies or omissions in the information being conveyed. After my mother-in-law was extubated, her voice was extremely soft, and the interpreter became visibly frustrated. At one point, my husband stepped in to help interpret; an overwhelming responsibility given his lack of medical training and the complexity of the terminology involved. Kelsey acknowledged how difficult this situation was and validated the frustration of navigating the healthcare system with a language barrier. Her empathy was sincere and deeply reassuring, and we were truly touched by her sensitivity and understanding during these moments. Beyond communication and advocacy, Kelsey was intentional about keeping our family informed and involved in my mother-in-law's care. She took the time to explain her condition, progress, and the reasoning behind treatment decisions, ensuring we felt included, informed, and supported during an incredibly stressful time. Equally important was Kelsey's respect for my mother-in-law's dignity. She was consistently attentive to her privacy, ensuring she remained properly covered; an essential cultural and personal value that helped my mother-in-law feel safe and comforted during a vulnerable period. Kelsey also demonstrated remarkable skill in encouraging my mother-in-law to begin mobilizing after surgery. When my mother-in-law was initially hesitant, Kelsey explained the importance of movement with tact and respect, without pressure or judgment. Later, we returned to find my mother-in-law proudly sitting in a chair; the first time she had been out of bed since surgery. This milestone brought our family renewed hope and joy. In addition to her clinical care, Kelsey showed extraordinary thoughtfulness in attending to my mother-in-law's emotional well-being. Having lost her hair due to chemotherapy, my mother-in-law is very mindful about keeping her head covered. Kelsey surprised her with a hand-knit headband, sharing that it was meant for someone special. This simple yet heartfelt gesture perfectly reflected her compassion and attentiveness. While each of these actions may seem small on its own, together they represent a level of care that is both rare and exceptional. This is a nurse who seamlessly balances clinical excellence with heartfelt compassion, strong advocacy, and deep respect. She formed a meaningful connection with our family, made a profound impact on my mother-in-law's recovery, and exemplifies the very best of the nursing profession.