As I sit by my mother's bedside a few hours after her hip replacement surgery, Keith McNeely, a Rapid Response Nurse, enters the room, takes my mother's hand and with a soothing tone tells her that her surgery went great and her nausea will soon pass. Being reassured, Mom closes her eyes and falls back to sleep.
Keith and I worked together years ago. I was a fairly new RN and new to the ICU. Keith was my mentor. He has a calm demeanor in all situations. Keith has a way of explaining things to me in a way that I understand, like blood gasses. There did not seem to be a question he could not answer. He is one of the smartest nurses I know.
Keith is an awesome nurse and has passion and compassion for helping people. Keith enjoys teaching and is a great resource. He does not let a "teaching moment" go by. Working as a Rapid Response Nurse gives Keith the opportunity to help new and experienced nurses as well with any patient care issues that may arise, encouraging critical thinking and building confidence. I have had many of Keith's coworkers singing his praises for his help and mentoring and inspiring them to their full potential. Keith is a patient advocate. He has calmed many patients and family members by teaching, explaining situations, and speaking up for patients and families on their behalf.
I met a woman who told me that while she was at WMC visiting a sick friend she collapsed in the hallway. She was unconscious, having a heart attack. Keith was walking through the hall on his way home after a 12-hour shift and happened to be in the right place at the right time. He took charge and handled the situation with expertise. CPR was started, the crash cart arrived, AED placed while Keith started in IV. The patient was shocked and given lifesaving medication. By the time the ER team arrived the woman had been successfully resuscitated. The woman called Keith "my Angel". I am sure Keith is an angel to many.
Keith's dedication to the nursing profession and the hospital he serves is evident in his work as well as many other endeavors such as founding the local Tri-City Chapter of AACN serving as President for 18 months. Keith was instrumental in obtaining the coveted Beacon Award for the CVICU where he worked, which helped Winchester Medical Center in obtaining the prestigious Magnet status.
Keith's compassion does not end when he leaves work. Keith helps many of his coworkers in need of a handyman. He has patched roofs, mended fences, fixed leaks, built decks and sheds and even a kitty cat tower. Keith takes pride in all he does. He is well respected by doctors, nurses, and the patients he serves. He daily makes a difference in the lives of his patients, families, and coworkers. Caregiving runs in Keith's family. His grandmother was a nurse; his mother, wife, two children, brother, and sister are all nurses. Keith's wife, son, daughter, and brother all work at WMC. Keith is a true DAISY Nurse.