As a registered nurse, one can only hope to embody characteristics that will help spark a difference in the lives of others.  Qualities such as empathy, competency, compassion, therapeutic communication skills, and patient advocacy are just a few that I personally consider when thinking of what makes a great nurse.  As a nurse, you may find a few of these qualities in yourself that aid in the ever-changing journey of the nursing field.  However, there are few nurses whom a person may stumble upon who have a majority of these characteristics, and Susan Kennedy, RN, exemplifies one of those nurses.
    
Every shift, Susan walks into her assigned unit with a smile on her face and is ready to make a difference, and the differences she has made throughout her thirty-plus years working with Decatur Morgan West.  As Susan's coworker, I can confidently say she strives to be the greatest version of herself daily for her patients. One particular example of Susan that comes to mind is one evening, as the day began to unwind, she noticed a tearful, self-isolatory patient who was experiencing difficulty interacting with peers and including herself on the unit.  Susan subtly walked over to this patient, and offered to play a game of “Sorry”.  The patient initially hesitated; however, they eventually agreed to play the game. While the two were setting up the game, a few other patients asked if they could join, and Susan excitedly welcomed them in. As the game progressed, it was obvious the patient felt cared for and important. By the end of the game, the initially tearful, hesitant patient was laughing, smiling, and interacting confidently with her peers.  She thanked Susan for making her feel seen and wanted with a huge smile on her face.

Susan’s compassion and inclusion creates incredible miracles for the adolescents she works with daily.  A quote that speaks to me is “it’s the little moments that make life big”, and no matter what the work day brings, Susan exudes happiness, care and compassion into her daily work life. Susan is an inspiring nurse to many and is loved by even more. I can think of no one else more deserving of this award.