Kenneth Richard
April 2025
Kenneth
Richard
,
BSN, RN, OCN
4A MICU
LA General Medical Center
Los Angeles
,
CA
United States
Ken brings more than clinical expertise to his role—he brings deep empathy, a steady presence, and compassion that never wavers.
Hi Ken, A few days ago, I did an interview with a bereaved daughter, A, who lost her father, S, last October and she had many wonderful things to say about you that I’d like to share. I think it’s extra remarkable, because it has already been 6months, but she so clearly remembers and appreciates your care, these are her words:
“The nurse, Ken, his name is Ken. He's a male, maybe 6'3. He was everything I needed, he was there, he would check on me and he would make sure that I was okay. Even the nurse at night, I forgot her name it was an older nurse that took over at night. He would introduce me to every nurse stationed before he left and he would say, ‘this is the nurse who's going to take over your dad.’ Everyone at this hospital was on top of their game, Ken, oh, my gosh, he was so wonderful, he was always taking care of me.
I became hysterical at one point, and the doctor and Ken put me aside to cry in another room. They helped me calm myself as I was shaking my whole body, and I blacked out. I fell to my knees. Ken and the doctors were so helpful they were like, ‘A, we need you A, you have to stay with us, A.’ Many kudos for your care and having made such a big impression on me.”
***
We're gathered here today for a truly special occasion—one that celebrates not just skill, but heart. It is our great honor to present the DAISY Award, which recognizes extraordinary compassionate care, and the profound difference one person can make when they connect with others during their most vulnerable moments.
Today, Ken Richards perfectly illustrates the essence of Nursing. With over 30 years as a critical care nurse, Ken has consistently demonstrated what it means to be truly exceptional. I’ve personally witnessed his tireless advocacy for patients and his unwavering support for his fellow nurses.
Ken brings more than clinical expertise to his role—he brings deep empathy, a steady presence, and compassion that never wavers.
Ken was nominated by A, the daughter of a former patient. Six months after one of the most difficult experiences of her life, she still vividly remembers Ken’s care. She described him simply: “He was everything I needed. He was there. He would check on me and make sure I was okay.” She recalled a moment of overwhelming distress when she became hysterical, and her body began shaking uncontrollably. In that moment, she remembered Ken’s and the doctor’s calm, urgent voices: "A, we need you. A, you have to stay with us."
A’s words are a powerful reminder of the impact a compassionate nurse can have—not only on a patient, but on an entire family. Ken not only played a key role in extending her father’s life, but also in helping the family navigate the early stages of grief.
Stories like A’s are why we are here today. They reflect the consistent, compassionate excellence that defines the work that goes on within LA General.
Ken, you represent the very best of our profession, and we are so incredibly proud to have you on our team.
“The nurse, Ken, his name is Ken. He's a male, maybe 6'3. He was everything I needed, he was there, he would check on me and he would make sure that I was okay. Even the nurse at night, I forgot her name it was an older nurse that took over at night. He would introduce me to every nurse stationed before he left and he would say, ‘this is the nurse who's going to take over your dad.’ Everyone at this hospital was on top of their game, Ken, oh, my gosh, he was so wonderful, he was always taking care of me.
I became hysterical at one point, and the doctor and Ken put me aside to cry in another room. They helped me calm myself as I was shaking my whole body, and I blacked out. I fell to my knees. Ken and the doctors were so helpful they were like, ‘A, we need you A, you have to stay with us, A.’ Many kudos for your care and having made such a big impression on me.”
***
We're gathered here today for a truly special occasion—one that celebrates not just skill, but heart. It is our great honor to present the DAISY Award, which recognizes extraordinary compassionate care, and the profound difference one person can make when they connect with others during their most vulnerable moments.
Today, Ken Richards perfectly illustrates the essence of Nursing. With over 30 years as a critical care nurse, Ken has consistently demonstrated what it means to be truly exceptional. I’ve personally witnessed his tireless advocacy for patients and his unwavering support for his fellow nurses.
Ken brings more than clinical expertise to his role—he brings deep empathy, a steady presence, and compassion that never wavers.
Ken was nominated by A, the daughter of a former patient. Six months after one of the most difficult experiences of her life, she still vividly remembers Ken’s care. She described him simply: “He was everything I needed. He was there. He would check on me and make sure I was okay.” She recalled a moment of overwhelming distress when she became hysterical, and her body began shaking uncontrollably. In that moment, she remembered Ken’s and the doctor’s calm, urgent voices: "A, we need you. A, you have to stay with us."
A’s words are a powerful reminder of the impact a compassionate nurse can have—not only on a patient, but on an entire family. Ken not only played a key role in extending her father’s life, but also in helping the family navigate the early stages of grief.
Stories like A’s are why we are here today. They reflect the consistent, compassionate excellence that defines the work that goes on within LA General.
Ken, you represent the very best of our profession, and we are so incredibly proud to have you on our team.