August 2026 Honoree
Kirsten Pace, RN
We could have nominated several people for this award because our overall experience with the hospital staff and care team was exceptional. However, I want to focus on Kirsten, one of the nurses who cared for us after the birth of our son. During our stay, I often referred to her as our hero, and I believe she is truly deserving of this recognition.
My wife had a planned C-section because our baby was in a breech position. The delivery went smoothly, and the staff who cared for us were wonderful. Once my wife's temperature stabilized, we were transferred to our room, where we expected to spend the remainder of our stay.
Everything was going well until an unthinkable event occurred. A family member accidentally dropped our 7-hour-old son, and he hit his head. He was immediately taken to the nursery for a four-hour observation period, which was explained to us as standard protocol.
Later that evening, as the observation period neared its end, I went to the nursery and saw several nurses and a pediatrician gathered around my son. They showed me that he had developed a large bump on his head. The pediatrician explained that protocol called for an additional observation period. As a parent, I was extremely concerned about the size of the bump and began asking whether additional testing, such as imaging, should be considered to ensure he was okay.
The pediatrician explained that advanced imaging was not standard and discussed the potential risks of CT scans, including radiation exposure. While I understood those concerns, I remained deeply worried that a more serious injury could go undetected. Despite receiving reassurance from the care team, I struggled to find peace of mind and continued to advocate for additional evaluation.
At some point during this stressful time, Kirsten came into our room and sat down with my wife and me. We were frightened, emotional, and unsure of what to do. Kirsten listened to our concerns, acknowledged our fears, and provided a calm, reassuring presence when we needed it most. More importantly, she did not dismiss our worries. She recognized how important it was for us to feel confident that every appropriate step was being taken to care for our son and offered to advocate on our behalf.
A short time later, a pediatrician informed us that our son would undergo a CT scan for additional evaluation. While we understood there were risks associated with the test, we were relieved to know that further investigation would provide a clearer picture of his condition.
Throughout the process, Kirsten continued to check on us and reassure us. Her positivity, compassion, and steady presence helped us navigate one of the most frightening experiences of our lives.
The CT scan ultimately revealed that our son had sustained a skull fracture. Fortunately, there was no evidence of bleeding in the brain, but he was transferred to another unit for advanced monitoring. While this news was difficult to hear, we were grateful to have answers and to know he was receiving the care he needed.
Our son remained on that unit for two days before he was able to return to us. The staff there were also exceptional, and we remain grateful for the care he received.
During the rest of our stay, Kirsten continued to check on our family, whether our son was on another unit or back in our room. She made sure we had what we needed and genuinely cared about how we were coping.
Without Kirsten's support and advocacy, I do not believe our concerns would have been elevated in the same way. While many people contributed to our son's care, Kirsten stood out because she ensured our voice was heard during an incredibly vulnerable moment. Her willingness to listen, advocate, and take action helped provide answers that ultimately led to additional monitoring and care for our son.
Kirsten exemplifies nursing advocacy at its best. She combined clinical professionalism with extraordinary compassion, ensuring not only that our son received appropriate care, but also that our family felt supported, respected, and heard throughout the process. For that, we will always be grateful.
That is why I called Kirsten our hero. She went above and beyond for our family, and I cannot think of anyone more deserving of recognition for the difference she made during one of the most difficult moments of our lives.
Thank you!
My wife had a planned C-section because our baby was in a breech position. The delivery went smoothly, and the staff who cared for us were wonderful. Once my wife's temperature stabilized, we were transferred to our room, where we expected to spend the remainder of our stay.
Everything was going well until an unthinkable event occurred. A family member accidentally dropped our 7-hour-old son, and he hit his head. He was immediately taken to the nursery for a four-hour observation period, which was explained to us as standard protocol.
Later that evening, as the observation period neared its end, I went to the nursery and saw several nurses and a pediatrician gathered around my son. They showed me that he had developed a large bump on his head. The pediatrician explained that protocol called for an additional observation period. As a parent, I was extremely concerned about the size of the bump and began asking whether additional testing, such as imaging, should be considered to ensure he was okay.
The pediatrician explained that advanced imaging was not standard and discussed the potential risks of CT scans, including radiation exposure. While I understood those concerns, I remained deeply worried that a more serious injury could go undetected. Despite receiving reassurance from the care team, I struggled to find peace of mind and continued to advocate for additional evaluation.
At some point during this stressful time, Kirsten came into our room and sat down with my wife and me. We were frightened, emotional, and unsure of what to do. Kirsten listened to our concerns, acknowledged our fears, and provided a calm, reassuring presence when we needed it most. More importantly, she did not dismiss our worries. She recognized how important it was for us to feel confident that every appropriate step was being taken to care for our son and offered to advocate on our behalf.
A short time later, a pediatrician informed us that our son would undergo a CT scan for additional evaluation. While we understood there were risks associated with the test, we were relieved to know that further investigation would provide a clearer picture of his condition.
Throughout the process, Kirsten continued to check on us and reassure us. Her positivity, compassion, and steady presence helped us navigate one of the most frightening experiences of our lives.
The CT scan ultimately revealed that our son had sustained a skull fracture. Fortunately, there was no evidence of bleeding in the brain, but he was transferred to another unit for advanced monitoring. While this news was difficult to hear, we were grateful to have answers and to know he was receiving the care he needed.
Our son remained on that unit for two days before he was able to return to us. The staff there were also exceptional, and we remain grateful for the care he received.
During the rest of our stay, Kirsten continued to check on our family, whether our son was on another unit or back in our room. She made sure we had what we needed and genuinely cared about how we were coping.
Without Kirsten's support and advocacy, I do not believe our concerns would have been elevated in the same way. While many people contributed to our son's care, Kirsten stood out because she ensured our voice was heard during an incredibly vulnerable moment. Her willingness to listen, advocate, and take action helped provide answers that ultimately led to additional monitoring and care for our son.
Kirsten exemplifies nursing advocacy at its best. She combined clinical professionalism with extraordinary compassion, ensuring not only that our son received appropriate care, but also that our family felt supported, respected, and heard throughout the process. For that, we will always be grateful.
That is why I called Kirsten our hero. She went above and beyond for our family, and I cannot think of anyone more deserving of recognition for the difference she made during one of the most difficult moments of our lives.
Thank you!
Thank you, Kirsten, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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