In the last year Keith has transitioned into a new role that has been challenging to say the least. He accepted that challenge expanding his knowledge, learning new skills, and encouraging staff to do the same. Since then, he has impacted the lives of patients, their families, and the staff. He continues to go above and beyond to make sure everything is being done for the patient and that the staff has what they need. Keith's motto is "Whatever it takes!" When the patients are going thru things he helps to pick them up and give them the encouragement and motivation to pull through whatever situation they are faced with. He gives each patient/family something unique, whether it is patience and a kind heart, being firm and setting boundaries, or simply being a friend they can talk to. Let me share some stories from the past few months with you.

For one patient, Keith is not only a caregiver but a friend. This gentleman was transferred from another state with serious health issues. After undergoing surgery, he could not return home for a few months because he lived so far away from the closest hospital. An agency provided lodging nearby for the patient, and Keith stepped in to help because he didn't have any family to check on him locally. Keith takes the man to Wal-Mart shopping, make sure he has groceries, picks him up for his clinic visits, and he also checks on him daily. When Keith was out of town one weekend, the patient called needing something from the grocery store. He had no way to get it himself. Keith called his own brother who was in town visiting their mother for Thanksgiving to help out. They have become "best buddies" through this process.

Another great story is about a patient that was very depressed because of his health condition. While talking with the patient, Keith uncovered the fact that the man liked Bluegrass. After getting off work one day, Keith got his mandolin, took it to the patient's room, and sat and played for him for a couple of hours. Keith provided an afternoon of Bluegrass music to cheer up the patient.

Another patient of Keith's has to be flown to another state where her caregivers could provide care for her after her surgery. Keith took on this challenge also. He made sure someone brought her things to the rehab hospital; he packed up her belongings for the trip ahead, and even accompanied the patient. He not only went to the airport, but he flew with her to make sure she was ok, and to ensure that she met up with her family. He even missed his original flight home because her family was running late and Keith didn't want to leave the patient in the airport alone.

When yet another patient was involved in a fatal automobile accident, Keith stayed in the emergency room with the family far beyond the expected timeframe. He consoled them; he encouraged them; he taught them that MCCG cares about their patients and families; that we are family and that sense of family extends to all who enter our doors.

Many may say, "well, it is his job". The technical aspects of some of this may well be. But the compassion and kindness of heart that accompanies his actions is not his job. He goes well beyond the call of duty to provide for the patients that are "under his care".

The compassion and genuine kindness that Keith shows to his patients is what will take this organization to the next level of Superior Patient Care. I wish everyone would have the honor to work with a person like Keith, who makes a difference in your life and motivates you to a higher standard. Someone who makes you remember why you went into nursing to begin with. He exemplifies what it is to be a Nurse, a Teacher, a Leader, and even a Friend.