February 2024
Kylie E.
Smith
,
RN
Pediatric ICU
Mayo Clinic - Rochester
Rochester
,
MN
United States
She brushed and put R's hair in gorgeous braids with ribbons several times to make her feel beautiful and get it out of the way.
My daughter R, age 11, came to St. Mary's Hospital of Mayo Clinic to have a significant and risky back surgery. After R was out of surgery and in the PICU, she was sedated and intubated. Kylie cared for R the first night and took exceptional care of her. Six days after her first surgery, R was deteriorating neurologically and was rushed to surgery again. After coming back to the PICU in a much better state, we had the pleasure of having Kylie as R's nurse several times during our stay. She has an amazing way with patients and their families. R has longer hair, and Kylie knew that longer hair would snarl and get stuck in sticky tape for IV lines. She brushed and put R's hair in gorgeous braids with ribbons several times to make her feel beautiful and get it out of the way. At this point, R required a lot of care and would quickly become uncomfortable and painful as she could not sit up or lay on her back. Kylie was so eager to help and assist R with any need that arose. Her patience was endless! In addition to the exceptional care, she made sure our family was aware of required tests and their results, taught my husband how to safely roll R from one side to the other, was great company for R and family members, and made sure the room was tidy and well stocked. She continuously asked R and visitors if they needed anything to drink or eat. Kylie deserves the DAISY Award for being a highly skilled nurse but, more than that, an amazing human! We appreciate her care and dedication to R so much!