I could write a book about the care that Kendra showed my father. I know that he wasn't the easiest patient to get along with because he just didn't like coming to hospitals. So our journey began in March when we came to the floor. Mind you, I work at this hospital and would come to do admissions daily. But this admission was something that was different because it was my family member. He was in good spirits but hated to be stuck to get his blood drawn. But one day this sweet lady named Kendra came into the room with her bubbly introduction and was just sweet the entire time. It wasn't anything that she wouldn't do that my father asked her to do. If we pushed the nurse light for her to tell her that he needed to be changed, she came right in with no hesitation or anger. She really enjoys being an RN on this floor. She prayed with our family, with our permission, for peace and strength. She would even give him a bath when he wasn't feeling his best. She made my father smile her whole shift and he even looked forward to her coming back the next day. When she told him that she would be off, he stopped talking for a while that night. But she came to visit him on her off day and he really perked up because he really wasn't talking. We really appreciate her compassionate care during our time of need. She understood that the news was very difficult and just always told us to be encouraged. Kendra really didn't mind doing anything to make sure my father was really comfortable and taken care.
I want her to know that our family truly appreciates her passion for being a nurse. Kendra, it was you who gave my dying father exemplary nursing care with stellar kindness and compassion. You touched our hearts and comforted our spirits during the darkest moment of our lives. You made sure my father was comfortable. You stayed long after the doctors left that evening. You treated him with respect. When we thought our hearts were completely broken and we were dying as well, you treated us with compassion and grace. You would check in, prop my father's pillows and check his morphine. Each time you walked into the room, my father would smile and thank you. With your comforting touch, you eased my father's pain and our breaking hearts. You offered my family a reprieve during the worst moment in our lives. You were there checking in on us and taking care of us. You probably don't know this, but I think about you often. Your smile, your compassion, and your bravery became our lifeline. I bet you don't receive enough thank you's and may be completely unaware of the significant difference you make in the lives of patients and their families. You now occupy a place in my heart - a place of high honor. You were my family's angel of mercy.
Note: This is Kendra's 2nd DAISY Award!