nancy kemp, RN

Nancy Kemp was asked by one of her patients for an unusual request. The patient had just been diagnosed with a terminal illness and he wanted to be baptized prior to his discharge to hospice the following day. His religion required full body submersion for the baptism. Nancy approached me to find out how we could fulfill this patient's request. It would have been easy for Nancy during her very busy day to just tell the patient and his family that UAMS does not have those types of resources, but she did not. She worked 2 more days to ensure that the baptism would occur. We collaborated with the Physical Therapy to use their whirl pool tub for the ceremony the following day.

There was not a dry eye at the baptism. What a meaningful impact Nancy had on this family, the patient and staff. She had the insight and fortitude to listen and recognize how important this baptism was for her patient during the most defining time of his life. Nancy went the extra mile to help her patient and family deal with a very difficult end of life decision. She is truly deserving of the DAISY Award for exemplifying extraordinary care and compassion!