During one clinical week, the 5th floor was outrageously busy. Nurses were admitting, recovering, and dismissing patients simultaneously. EVS staff was standing on alert as the nurses did discharge teaching, ready to pounce on room turn-over the moment the patient left the room. Once the room was cleaned the new clients would arrive and every nurse had a heavy load of high acuity patients. Furthermore, there were 10 nursing students from 2 different colleges, eager to learn how these nurses are able to multitask, critically think, and exercise clinical judgement.

Kayla Fries is a nurse who stands out among the best of the best. I, as well as each of my students, was in awe of her quick clinical judgment, professional nursing comportment, and ability to somehow manage a multitude of high-intensity skills at the same time! Not only did Kayla function as a charge nurse, but she somehow managed her own load of patients while simultaneously teaching my students about the art of nursing. Each of my students who were present on that clinical day commented that they hoped that someday they could be the nurse that Kayla is. Not only could she compassionately care for and prioritize patient needs, but she did it all while continuing to function as a team player and with a smile on her face, and while helping the next generation of nurses learn.

This isn’t an easy time to work in healthcare. I want to applaud Kayla for being an inspirational nurse who reignited the light in my students and helped them to realize that they have chosen a wonderful career while demonstrating to them who they will become and how they can function in the near future!

From one of the students, “Kayla welcomed all of us nursing students with trust and patience. She never seemed bothered to help me with tasks I wasn’t totally comfortable with and always reassured me with confidence. She is a perfect example of who a novice nurse should be. Kayla, thank you so much for such a wonderful experience."

Note: This is Kayla's 2nd DAISY Award!