In August 2014 the SICU received a 16 year old female, C, who had been electrocuted . She was swimming and boating with her friends at a church camp when she touched a boat ladder that had an electrical charge going through it. She was shocked while in the water. The first responders, who lived near the lake, were nurses. They began CPR. EMS arrived and she was airlifted to Rapides Regional Medical Trauma Level II Center (RRMC). While many people are responsible for saving her life, one nurse, Kelly Spears, RN, stands out to me.

Kelly has been a nurse in the SICU for 6 years. She is a great patient educator from her past experiences of being a high school teacher. Kelly became very personally and emotionally involved with C. Kelly was her nurse every shift that she worked. The patient was very particular about her hair being clean and brushed. Kelly and the SICU portrayed compassion and kindness by washing her hair, brushing it, and putting it in a ponytail (Tessia Ratcliff, a former DAISY Award recipient, did the French braid)!

This is just one example of Kelly providing exemplary service to her patient. On the day she was extubated, Kelly's compassion was evident in her big tears of happiness and excitement just to be able to have a conversation with C. C's mother and grandmother were at the bedside crying happy tears along with Kelly. Kelly bonded with the family and has remained in contact with them. C's mother sent Kelly a picture of C at a pizza party. C has gone back to high school since she was discharged.

Kelly and the SICU team believe they witnessed a miracle as our medical team greatly contributed to saving C's life. It is nurses like Kelly who use their gifts and talents to make patients feel loved and cherished. Kelly loves being a nurse and loves her patients. She feels it is an honor and privilege administer care to patients. As a nurse there are certain patients who melt your heart and keep you motivated to be the best nurse possible. I believe C was that patient for Kelly.