Just as the Barnes family described being "overwhelmed at the level of compassionate care demonstrated by nurses", I have been overwhelmed at the compassionate care demonstrated consistently over the past year by Kelly DeGroot, RN.
Kelly DeGroot has made it her mission to stay true to basic nursing care for our patients awaiting transfer to inpatient psychiatric facilities or those hard to care for patients awaiting long-term placement. Kelly has made it a point to ensure that all her patients are treated with human kindness. She has been extremely instrumental in equipping our nursing team with the skills to navigate the individual challenges each patient faces and has assisted in the development and implementation of behavioral care plans unique to each situation.
Yesterday I rounded on a patient who has been a guest in our department for a very long time awaiting placement. Sadly, some of our patients wait long periods for placement, and often it takes longer for those who exhibit consistent unprovoked violent and/or aggressive behaviors. But yesterday was different, Mr. T was smiling, sitting in the sunshine next to the window in his room, and very well-groomed. He spoke clearly and pleasantly when I said hello. He spoke for the first time to me in a positive tone giving Kelly all the kudos he could muster. He was so proud. Kelly spent a lot of time with him today working through basic care needs and helping with ADLs. In the past, he had not been very open or compliant with this daily care and would often violently hit or punch teammates who would try to help.
She is by far a phenomenal nurse. One who goes above and beyond each day to care for very challenging patients. She is compassionate and kind - always willing to help and works efficiently - even if it means staying beyond her shift to do the right thing for another human being.
Kelly is surely not known to do these things for personal recognition, it's just who she is... a nurse made of integrity and genuine kindness, who displays a sweet, loving spirit towards other human beings regardless of their circumstances or diagnosis. Her tenacious approach to basic quality care as well as her passion for the underserved is exceptionally noteworthy of this prestigious award.
So, on behalf of Mr. T and all other behaviorally challenging guests we serve ... I would like to recognize Kelly as a true DAISY Nurse.