Nursing practice is guided by a complex set of legal, regulatory and social standards that often overlap and interweave. The best nurses operate within the boundaries of this labyrinth of guidelines with a seemingly effortless grace. This nurse was nominated for doing just that. She was nominated by the mother and sister of a patient for practicing The Golden Rule: Treat everyone as you would like to be treated.

The nomination states, “She was an amazing nurse. She took great care of my special needs sister and talked to her like she was a normal person.” Kellie was able to make a deep connection with the patient and convinced her to have the ordered MRI and after recognizing the need, collaborated with the OR, anesthesia, and the surgeon to get the patient an earlier OR time. In a time of great anxiety for a patient, this nurse was gentle and compassionate, but above all else, kind.