Last winter, I spent a good portion of my holiday break with a group of hospital staff and other patients in Madigan Army Hospital. Care providers strive to create a family atmosphere and break up the day with group discussions, one-on-one dialogue, and life skills presentations. Here, I met Karen Kessie, a grace-filled nurse who made a very challenging situation more bearable.
Some of Karen's strengths include compassion, advocacy, commitment, a team player mentality, and professionalism. She is a trustworthy mentor, dedicated to providing exceptional care. Karen's strengths are the fruit of her spirit and her grace is a gift to her patients.
During my stay, Karen distinguished herself when she led a discussion centering on depression. She shared a little from her own life - just a peek, so we would know, at one point, she walked a mile in our shoes. She was not only conveying helpful information about understanding a mood disorder, but she was telling our hearts we were not alone. Karen treated her patients as equals, as part of a united front. Interacting with her, I almost forgot I was donning a hospital gown! Karen's authenticity and the connection she forged, took courage. Walking the line between friendly professionalism and over-familiarity with patients can be tricky, yet, Karen walked this tightrope with ease!
Karen maintained a delicate balance in private, during our one-on-one time. As I let my personal story unfold, Karen didn't get caught up looking at a few trees when it was her job to consider the health and preservation of the entire forest. In this way, she maintained a broad perspective and helped me digest the greater picture as well. Karen listened carefully and shared strategic ways to advocate for myself outside of the hospital ward. Karen's marital advice was particularly good!
In the same skillful manner Karen navigated between nurse and mentor, she struck the perfect balance when she applied a firm, yet gentle touch. One evening, Karen came to my room to tell me goodnight. I was filled with tears and really, quite scared. She spoke calmly and tenderly from the doorway while she looked me steadily in the eye and said, "This too shall pass." Karen's faith and confidence helped put things back into perspective and provided fresh hope for the future.
A couple times, in 5 North, I felt lost in a sea of strangers and a little disoriented. Karen was like the North Star, a guiding light shining brightly in the darkness. When Karen spoke with me alone or to the entire group, I could just relax and breathe, knowing we shared a love of Christ and everything this kind of fellowship entails. The grace Karen exudes is not easy to come by and can't be taught in nursing school. Karen's personality, unique life experiences, and training, comingled with her gracious spirit, have melded Karen into a loving and influential nurse, who demonstrates all of the noble qualities the DAISY Award embodies.