Kayla has been with ThedaCare Cancer Care for just short of a year. Kayla started with our team and quickly it was observed that she had found her spot in nursing at ThedaCare Cancer Care. Kayla brings an energy to nursing that makes a difference in each patient and team member's life that she crosses paths with. She is calm, positive, and heartfelt in her interactions. She sees beyond the patient's cancer diagnosis and commonly connects with patients in a way that she can get to know them and understand their needs from a holistic perspective. Her team sees and feels the dedication she has to her career in nursing. She has volunteered countless times during the pandemic to step into roles to support the community and their needs.
A specific story I would like to share about Kayla and her patient care is from the Christmas season. Kayla reached out prior to Christmas to identify a young patient with a terminal diagnosis who may be celebrating her last Christmas with her young son (10 years old). Kayla had already personally purchased gifts for this patient and her son to assure they would have a special last Christmas together. She recognized at that point that she needed to assure she was providing these gifts to the family while abiding by company policy. Kayla was able to ask ThedaCare to look outside of the box and help assist in making this holiday a memorable one for this patient and son. We worked with ELT at the hospital and the foundation to acquire funding to not only provide gifts for this family (on top of Kayla's gifts) but also provide a meal for the family from one of their favorites restaurants to share together for the holiday. Kayla partnered with the foundation and the patient to assess the patient and son's Christmas needs, purchased the items, wrapped the items, and delivered all of this to this patient and family for the holiday.
The patient was overjoyed with the generosity and thoughtfulness of Kayla. It allowed the patient to surprise her son with a delicious meal and gifts under the tree. In an incredibly challenging time for this family, Kayla brought them brightness over the holiday and I know the son of this patient will never forget these moments and memories with his mom.
Note: This is Kayla's 2nd DAISY Award!