Besides being an amazing educator and human being, Emily Flowers is an incredible violin player. Emily consistently uses her gifts for the betterment of patients and team members alike.

In June 2023, she shared her talent with the entire hospital while rounding during the Pathway to Excellence Nurse Survey, playing for multiple hours and bringing joy to everyone who heard it. During this time, she was stopped by a patient’s son while rounding in the ICU. The gentleman requested Emily to play a song of her choice for his 91-year-old mother. She joyfully obliged and played as the patient delightfully listened.

I most recently learned how Emily’s gift touched a patient and his family during his final months. During the Christmas 2022 season, Emily volunteered her time to spread Christmas cheer. She would go several times a week to the Infusion Center waiting room and the Infusion Center patient area playing Christmas songs on her violin. One patient especially enjoyed these moments and frequently requested Emily play on every holiday. He even joked with her saying, “Hey Emily, Mardi Gras is coming! What songs are you playing for that?”. While the patient and his family prepared for discharge to Good Shepherd Hospice, he requested that Emily play again. Although Emily had transferred to a new role, she still made playing at his bedside possible. As she started the first few notes of “Amazing Grace,” every eye filled with tears. The patient then requested “An Unclouded Day,” and Emily instantly obliged. Emily uses her gift of music to spread light and hope to patients and team members. She is a testament to the BayCare Value of excellence. Her compassion and kindness in sharing her gift is invaluable.