December 2013
Kerri
Carle
,
RN, BSN,OCN
Surgical Head&Neck, HMS, CICU, Observation
Memorial Sloan Kettering
New York
,
NY
United States
The M17 team wishes to recognize Kerri Carl, RN, for her meaningful contributions to the care of our patients and their families, the unit, and many hospital wide projects with this nomination for the DAISY Award. Kerri joined the M17 team in 2005, coming to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center after completing her BSN at Fairfield University. Kerri quickly became the core of the M17 family. She has displayed clinical excellence, leadership, and dedication and for these reasons has been promoted to CN III. Kerri has incredible assessment skills, a sound adherence to policy and procedure, and a strong will to be an integral team player. Since joining our unit she has been viewed by her colleagues as the essence of bedside nursing and M17. Kerri's daily practice embodies the words dedication and caring. These qualities set an example of excellence and are emulated by all nurses on our unit.
Kerri consistently models MSKCC nursing standards of practice in her interactions with patients, in her role as a senior nurse on M17 and during education sessions with staff members. Using her extensive knowledge, Kerri is able to anticipate changes in patient acuity before they occur. She appropriately escalates care when necessary and with great ease. Kerri always remains calm and resilient during emergencies often mentoring junior staff in crisis situations. During such emergencies, you can always expect to see Kerri at the patient's bedside supporting the nursing staff, collaborating with the Acute Care Practitioners and advocating for the patient's best interests. She is extremely confident in her abilities, nursing skills, and assessment and will never hesitate to consult other disciplines when issues arise.
Kerri has a love for nursing and a strong commitment to lifelong learning. Kerri is currently enrolled at New York University finishing her Master's of Science in Nursing as an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner in May of 2014. With this degree, she will have the advanced knowledge to provide guidance for her patient's to restore their health. Kerri is already using the knowledge that she has obtained from her studies thus far to extensively advocate for her patient's health restoration. She is able to help guide the care of her patient's and is able to be part of the decision making process about the health status of her patients.
As part of her daily practice, Kerri consistently identifies the educational needs of her patients, her patient's families, and the staff of M17. She ensures safe discharges and enhances the patient's self care abilities, independence, and quality of life. Kerri is always around for her patient's to provide a nurturing touch, is always there to answer her patient's questions, or to be a guiding presence in their hospital stay.
Kerri is a part of the M17 Pressure Ulcer Team and is our local skin care champion. She has become an expert in pressure ulcers and is a resource for all nurses and PCTs to turn to for advice on how to care for pressure ulcers. Kerri updates the entire unit constantly about new products and advances in treating pressure ulcers. Because of Kerri's extensive educational efforts on the unit, the number of pressure ulcers that formed on M17 has decreased dramatically. She has also educated the floor on correct pressure ulcer assessment upon admission to the unit and how to document if the patient came into the hospital with a community acquired pressure ulcer. With this educational effort, Kerri is supporting Memorial Sloan-Kettering on our journey to achieving Magnet status.
When staff is faced with difficult situations or need advice, they know that they can turn to Kerri for guidance because of her strong critical thinking and problem solving skills. Kerri always takes the initiative when it comes to precepting new nurses. Kerri has the uncanny ability to take charge and offer assistance when needed. She is able to prioritize and handle any situation that she is put in. She has the ability to remain calm when the unit is stressed and is there to help meet the needs of her patients and staff.
Kerri remains sensitive to her patient's needs and concerns and consistently relays these concerns to the healthcare team. She helps coordinate weekly multidisciplinary discharge planning rounds on M17 to help identify and resolve potential patient discharge issues. She listens to her patient's. Kerri will advocate for her patient and be in constant communication with the entire interdisciplinary team until her patient is discharged.
Kerri constantly displays affection, caring, and dedication to her patient's and their families. She forms strong bonds with all whom she cares for. Kerri will go above and beyond for all of her patients and will strongly advocate for their wishes and needs. Examples of Kerri's kindness and selflessness can be seen in the stories from patients and their families. There is no task to small or too large for Kerri to fulfill for her patient.
...
As a new nurse, Kerri took care of a very difficult head and neck surgical patient. This patient had multiple difficult surgeries that were very disfiguring with one requiring a wound vac to be placed on her forehead. The patient was in the hospital on the day of her daughter-in-law's bridal shower. This devastated the patient. Kerri selflessly stayed with the patient after her shift and sat with her and just talked. The patient was happy just to be with Kerri when she knew that her friends and family were gathering for the bridal shower. Kerri's presence comforted the patient.
...
Kerri took care of a patient who was unable to discuss her code status with her doctors due to fear. Kerri had an extensive conversation with this patient about her prognosis. The patient was able to discuss her fears and her wishes with Kerri. After this conversation, Kerri told the doctors what she and the patient discussed and she became a DNR. The patient also stated that she wished to die in the hospital. Kerri facilitated this wish for this patient. Before she died, this patient told Kerri that she loved to play tennis and that she would like Kerri to play tennis with her friend after she passed. Kerri fulfilled this wish for this patient after she passed.
...
N.G was a 30-year-old woman that was diagnosed with anaplastic thyroid cancer on M17. She had a complicated course of disfiguring surgeries, which were difficult on the family and the patient. As her breathing became more labored and she became increasingly swollen, Kerri moved the patient into a private room so the entire family could be together as the patient's health deteriorated. At this time, N.G and her fiance wanted to be married on the unit before N.G. died. Kerri was able to grant N.G. and her fiance this wish as they were married one week prior to N.G. passing away. This was extremely important for the patient and her fiance to have happen. Kerri also made CDs of N.G.'s favorite bands to play as she was dying. The family stated that these small tasks made an unbearable situation a bit more bearable.
...
Kerri became close with her patient N.S who was diagnosed with a rare hereditary form of colon cancer at the age of 21. Kerri took care of N.S. on multiple occasions and formed a true bond with him. He asked her to shave his head and she happily obliged! N.S. formed a foundation called "Relentless Against Cancer" which Kerri is a strong advocate for. Kerri helped organize a group of M17 staff members to attend a bowling fundraiser for N.S.'s foundation after the patient had past away. N.S.'s father even made a special tribute speech at the event to recognize all that Kerri and her co-workers had done for his son in his last few months on this earth. Kerri is often seen wearing a t-shirt in honor of N.S and continues to attend fundraiser for "Relentless" regularly. Kerri remains in close contact with N.S's family even after his passing.
...
Kerri was the primary nurse for M.B. Kerri helped him through multiple life threatening situations such as a carotid rupture, multiple mucous plugs, and a pulmonary embolism. She worked to keep him alive by using her expertise to help him achieve his baseline health. Kerri was able to ambulate with M.B, teach him how to suction his laryngectomy stoma, and educate M.B. on the proper techniques used for enteral feedings. Kerri keeps in touch with M.B. on occasion and is pleased to hear that M.B is now driving himself to his clinic visits. M.B credits Kerri for his survival and his successful surgery.
...
When Kerri was working the night shift, she had a 50-year-old thoracic surgical patient. When she went to do her hourly rounds, she found the patient up in bed crying. Kerri sat and talked with the patient. The patient stated that she was upset and that she missed her children at home. Kerri finished her rounds and then came back with tea and a snack and sat with the patient for 4 hours. She only would leave to do her hourly rounds on the rest of her patients. Kerri had to stay after her shift to finish her charting. It was worth it to Kerri to be with the patient in that time of need.
...
L.W was a patient on M17 for over a month. She was weak, very sick, and did not have motivation to accomplish daily tasks due to the severity of her illness. The only time that L.W. would shower or walk was when Kerri was on shift. L.W. stated that Kerri was a motivational force and that no one else could get her to accomplish the simple tasks of showering and ambulating. They formed an instant bond and an understanding.
...
Kerri was the primary nurse for S.B who was a 21-year-old head and neck patient that had an emergent tracheostomy placed on the unit. S.B had recurrence of his cancer and was told that he had weeks to months to live while he was hospitalized. S.B. was on our unit for 2 months and wished to die on M17. Kerri did everything in her power to fulfill S.B's wishes. She let him do things his way, which was a comfort to the family and the patient. Kerri would sit in S.B's room and hold his hand if he wanted to be comforted. She would walk with him on his daily mile walk around our unit. She would rent movies for him that were not available in the MSKCC video library. One time S.B. had a bunch of his friends visit and they all wanted to watch a movie on the big screen TV in our patient/visitor lounge. This TV however does not have a DVD player. Kerri saw this and decided to fix the problem. After her twelve-hour shift she ran home and grabbed her own DVD player and cords and ran back to the hospital that night. She surprised S.B. and all his friends and hooked up the DVD player to our big screen so they could all have movie night on M17! Later on in his hospital stay, when S.B. was unable to ambulate due to his deteriorating health, Kerri discussed with him what he wanted in terms of care. She fulfilled every wish that he wanted and allowed S.B to be in control of his healthcare. Kerri keeps in contact with this family and was stated to be "a shining light in a time of great darkness" by S.B's mother. The kind words that S.B's family say in support of Kerri are extremely touching.
...
Recently Kerri was caring for S.H. a 35-year-old female with advanced breast cancer. S.H. came into the hospital with pain issues related to spinal cord compression, and was quickly getting worse. She was a young married mother of a three-year-old girl, and was now dying; it was an unbearable situation for all involved. Yet before S.H. passed away on M17 Kerri helped S.H.'s husband plan a surprise wedding anniversary party in our own M17 conference room! S.H. was totally blown away at the outpouring of love her friends and family showed her that day; and it was all thanks to Kerri.
...
To conclude, our staff on Memorial 17 would like to quote a recent patient of Kerri's, F.K. writes: "Kerri Carle is very kind, gentle, and knowledgeable and has a great attitude; simply the best!" We couldn't agree more! The Staff of M17 enthusiastically supports the nomination of Kerri Carle, RN for the DAISY Award because of her consistent commitment to excellence. She represents the best in nursing and we are privileged to have her on our staff. She is truly an asset to M17!
Kerri consistently models MSKCC nursing standards of practice in her interactions with patients, in her role as a senior nurse on M17 and during education sessions with staff members. Using her extensive knowledge, Kerri is able to anticipate changes in patient acuity before they occur. She appropriately escalates care when necessary and with great ease. Kerri always remains calm and resilient during emergencies often mentoring junior staff in crisis situations. During such emergencies, you can always expect to see Kerri at the patient's bedside supporting the nursing staff, collaborating with the Acute Care Practitioners and advocating for the patient's best interests. She is extremely confident in her abilities, nursing skills, and assessment and will never hesitate to consult other disciplines when issues arise.
Kerri has a love for nursing and a strong commitment to lifelong learning. Kerri is currently enrolled at New York University finishing her Master's of Science in Nursing as an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner in May of 2014. With this degree, she will have the advanced knowledge to provide guidance for her patient's to restore their health. Kerri is already using the knowledge that she has obtained from her studies thus far to extensively advocate for her patient's health restoration. She is able to help guide the care of her patient's and is able to be part of the decision making process about the health status of her patients.
As part of her daily practice, Kerri consistently identifies the educational needs of her patients, her patient's families, and the staff of M17. She ensures safe discharges and enhances the patient's self care abilities, independence, and quality of life. Kerri is always around for her patient's to provide a nurturing touch, is always there to answer her patient's questions, or to be a guiding presence in their hospital stay.
Kerri is a part of the M17 Pressure Ulcer Team and is our local skin care champion. She has become an expert in pressure ulcers and is a resource for all nurses and PCTs to turn to for advice on how to care for pressure ulcers. Kerri updates the entire unit constantly about new products and advances in treating pressure ulcers. Because of Kerri's extensive educational efforts on the unit, the number of pressure ulcers that formed on M17 has decreased dramatically. She has also educated the floor on correct pressure ulcer assessment upon admission to the unit and how to document if the patient came into the hospital with a community acquired pressure ulcer. With this educational effort, Kerri is supporting Memorial Sloan-Kettering on our journey to achieving Magnet status.
When staff is faced with difficult situations or need advice, they know that they can turn to Kerri for guidance because of her strong critical thinking and problem solving skills. Kerri always takes the initiative when it comes to precepting new nurses. Kerri has the uncanny ability to take charge and offer assistance when needed. She is able to prioritize and handle any situation that she is put in. She has the ability to remain calm when the unit is stressed and is there to help meet the needs of her patients and staff.
Kerri remains sensitive to her patient's needs and concerns and consistently relays these concerns to the healthcare team. She helps coordinate weekly multidisciplinary discharge planning rounds on M17 to help identify and resolve potential patient discharge issues. She listens to her patient's. Kerri will advocate for her patient and be in constant communication with the entire interdisciplinary team until her patient is discharged.
Kerri constantly displays affection, caring, and dedication to her patient's and their families. She forms strong bonds with all whom she cares for. Kerri will go above and beyond for all of her patients and will strongly advocate for their wishes and needs. Examples of Kerri's kindness and selflessness can be seen in the stories from patients and their families. There is no task to small or too large for Kerri to fulfill for her patient.
...
As a new nurse, Kerri took care of a very difficult head and neck surgical patient. This patient had multiple difficult surgeries that were very disfiguring with one requiring a wound vac to be placed on her forehead. The patient was in the hospital on the day of her daughter-in-law's bridal shower. This devastated the patient. Kerri selflessly stayed with the patient after her shift and sat with her and just talked. The patient was happy just to be with Kerri when she knew that her friends and family were gathering for the bridal shower. Kerri's presence comforted the patient.
...
Kerri took care of a patient who was unable to discuss her code status with her doctors due to fear. Kerri had an extensive conversation with this patient about her prognosis. The patient was able to discuss her fears and her wishes with Kerri. After this conversation, Kerri told the doctors what she and the patient discussed and she became a DNR. The patient also stated that she wished to die in the hospital. Kerri facilitated this wish for this patient. Before she died, this patient told Kerri that she loved to play tennis and that she would like Kerri to play tennis with her friend after she passed. Kerri fulfilled this wish for this patient after she passed.
...
N.G was a 30-year-old woman that was diagnosed with anaplastic thyroid cancer on M17. She had a complicated course of disfiguring surgeries, which were difficult on the family and the patient. As her breathing became more labored and she became increasingly swollen, Kerri moved the patient into a private room so the entire family could be together as the patient's health deteriorated. At this time, N.G and her fiance wanted to be married on the unit before N.G. died. Kerri was able to grant N.G. and her fiance this wish as they were married one week prior to N.G. passing away. This was extremely important for the patient and her fiance to have happen. Kerri also made CDs of N.G.'s favorite bands to play as she was dying. The family stated that these small tasks made an unbearable situation a bit more bearable.
...
Kerri became close with her patient N.S who was diagnosed with a rare hereditary form of colon cancer at the age of 21. Kerri took care of N.S. on multiple occasions and formed a true bond with him. He asked her to shave his head and she happily obliged! N.S. formed a foundation called "Relentless Against Cancer" which Kerri is a strong advocate for. Kerri helped organize a group of M17 staff members to attend a bowling fundraiser for N.S.'s foundation after the patient had past away. N.S.'s father even made a special tribute speech at the event to recognize all that Kerri and her co-workers had done for his son in his last few months on this earth. Kerri is often seen wearing a t-shirt in honor of N.S and continues to attend fundraiser for "Relentless" regularly. Kerri remains in close contact with N.S's family even after his passing.
...
Kerri was the primary nurse for M.B. Kerri helped him through multiple life threatening situations such as a carotid rupture, multiple mucous plugs, and a pulmonary embolism. She worked to keep him alive by using her expertise to help him achieve his baseline health. Kerri was able to ambulate with M.B, teach him how to suction his laryngectomy stoma, and educate M.B. on the proper techniques used for enteral feedings. Kerri keeps in touch with M.B. on occasion and is pleased to hear that M.B is now driving himself to his clinic visits. M.B credits Kerri for his survival and his successful surgery.
...
When Kerri was working the night shift, she had a 50-year-old thoracic surgical patient. When she went to do her hourly rounds, she found the patient up in bed crying. Kerri sat and talked with the patient. The patient stated that she was upset and that she missed her children at home. Kerri finished her rounds and then came back with tea and a snack and sat with the patient for 4 hours. She only would leave to do her hourly rounds on the rest of her patients. Kerri had to stay after her shift to finish her charting. It was worth it to Kerri to be with the patient in that time of need.
...
L.W was a patient on M17 for over a month. She was weak, very sick, and did not have motivation to accomplish daily tasks due to the severity of her illness. The only time that L.W. would shower or walk was when Kerri was on shift. L.W. stated that Kerri was a motivational force and that no one else could get her to accomplish the simple tasks of showering and ambulating. They formed an instant bond and an understanding.
...
Kerri was the primary nurse for S.B who was a 21-year-old head and neck patient that had an emergent tracheostomy placed on the unit. S.B had recurrence of his cancer and was told that he had weeks to months to live while he was hospitalized. S.B. was on our unit for 2 months and wished to die on M17. Kerri did everything in her power to fulfill S.B's wishes. She let him do things his way, which was a comfort to the family and the patient. Kerri would sit in S.B's room and hold his hand if he wanted to be comforted. She would walk with him on his daily mile walk around our unit. She would rent movies for him that were not available in the MSKCC video library. One time S.B. had a bunch of his friends visit and they all wanted to watch a movie on the big screen TV in our patient/visitor lounge. This TV however does not have a DVD player. Kerri saw this and decided to fix the problem. After her twelve-hour shift she ran home and grabbed her own DVD player and cords and ran back to the hospital that night. She surprised S.B. and all his friends and hooked up the DVD player to our big screen so they could all have movie night on M17! Later on in his hospital stay, when S.B. was unable to ambulate due to his deteriorating health, Kerri discussed with him what he wanted in terms of care. She fulfilled every wish that he wanted and allowed S.B to be in control of his healthcare. Kerri keeps in contact with this family and was stated to be "a shining light in a time of great darkness" by S.B's mother. The kind words that S.B's family say in support of Kerri are extremely touching.
...
Recently Kerri was caring for S.H. a 35-year-old female with advanced breast cancer. S.H. came into the hospital with pain issues related to spinal cord compression, and was quickly getting worse. She was a young married mother of a three-year-old girl, and was now dying; it was an unbearable situation for all involved. Yet before S.H. passed away on M17 Kerri helped S.H.'s husband plan a surprise wedding anniversary party in our own M17 conference room! S.H. was totally blown away at the outpouring of love her friends and family showed her that day; and it was all thanks to Kerri.
...
To conclude, our staff on Memorial 17 would like to quote a recent patient of Kerri's, F.K. writes: "Kerri Carle is very kind, gentle, and knowledgeable and has a great attitude; simply the best!" We couldn't agree more! The Staff of M17 enthusiastically supports the nomination of Kerri Carle, RN for the DAISY Award because of her consistent commitment to excellence. She represents the best in nursing and we are privileged to have her on our staff. She is truly an asset to M17!