To us, Kendell exemplifies the kind of 'super-human work' that this award was designed to recognize. It started the instant we walked into the room. After 7 hours in surgery, Kendell was quick to handle all the details. More importantly, she immediately put us at ease with a combination of professionalism, compassion, hospitality, and light-hearted good humor that ensured us that we were in good hands, not only with her but with the entire team.
What truly distinguished Kendell though was her ability to establish rapport and to figure out who her patient - and his spouse - were, how we would respond, and how she could maximize successful outcomes through that understanding. To frame that, being in the hospital for your 6th back surgery - on your birthday - could have been quite the downer. Kendell instantly assessed not only what was needed physically, but what her patient needed to feel safe and well cared for, to build confidence, and to find joy in the process. She established a camaraderie that made both of us feel like a part of a winning team here on 5B. And when the going got tough, she knew exactly how to lead a locker room huddle that turned the game around and put us back on the right track.
It is with great pleasure that we nominate Kendell for the DAISY Award because even amidst a field of excellence, she is an outstanding role model for peers and patients alike. We learned life lessons from Kendell and will always remember her with gratitude. Besides, she was so darned much fun!