Amy Kelly, an Oncology/Infusion nurse at Bridgton Infusion Center, has dedicated herself to delivering exceptional patient care since joining our team. Her commitment to patients goes beyond clinical expertise—she brings a fresh, compassionate perspective to cancer care, ensuring that every individual she treats receives the support they need. One standout example of Amy’s patient-centered approach involved a patient whose medical schedule presented significant challenges. Understanding the importance of continuity in care, Amy took the initiative to carefully coordinate the clinic’s schedule around the patient’s dialysis treatments. Her dedication ensured that the patient could receive both essential treatments without disruption—an act of kindness that speaks to her deep commitment to improving patient outcomes.

Amy’s devotion to her patients was further demonstrated when an unexpected delay in receiving chemotherapy pumps threatened treatment schedules. Recognizing the impact this could have on patients, Amy and fellow nurse Leslie stayed in the area, grabbed a quick meal, and returned to the hospital to personally accept the delayed chemo pump from New England Lifecare. With the presence of two chemo-certified nurses required for setup, their willingness to go above and beyond ensured that two patients stayed on track with their treatment plans, minimizing stress and uncertainty.

Beyond her direct patient care, Amy has played an instrumental role in advancing oncology practices within our healthcare network. Over the past year, she has been actively involved in learning a new Oncology EMR system. She has assisted Rumford Hospital Infusion Center in adopting these changes, stepping in during staff vacations to provide seamless care. More recently, she has extended her expertise to CMMC, supporting their infusion center in delivering safe and efficient treatments to patients. Amy Kelly is the embodiment of excellence in nursing, consistently demonstrating the qualities of a true DAISY Award recipient. She not only upholds the highest standards of clinical care but also brings warmth, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to her patients. Her passion for nursing is a profound reminder of the difference one person can make in the lives of so many.

In today’s world, it’s easy to just show up and do a job. To go through the motions and at the end of the week, collect what you feel you are entitled to. Unfortunately, it's more common than we would like to admit. So, when someone shows qualities and actions that defeat such complacency, I believe that they should be recognized and honored. This is why I am nominating Amy Kelly for a DAISY Award. I believe she embodies the qualities and character that every nurse should aspire to have. Actually, it goes beyond that, which everyone should aspire to have. How is it that I am qualified to speak of such things? Cancer…cancer qualifies me. Fighting kidney cancer for the last 2 years, I’ve been treated by many doctors and nurses, so I’ve learned a little about which qualities make a good nurse.

Knowledgeable and confident. I used to go out on my buddy’s fishing boat with his dad in Phippsburg. One time, the engine died in a storm, and the boat was being tossed around, heading for the rocky coast. I, myself, having no knowledge of the ocean or boating, was scared. But when I looked at my buddy’s dad, he was confident, which put me at ease. She has that knowledge and with it portrays confidence that can put someone at ease. I might be worrying about my last kidney and its function, but she would look up my numbers and put my mind at ease. If she wasn’t worried, I wasn’t going to worry. Giving. Many times, I would need my port accessed for imaging, and she would stick around and do that for me. I would always schedule late appointments not to miss time at work, and she was always there for me.

Caring. She has a way about her and a smile that is genuine. Caring about others is more than a job for her. Seeing her outside of work, you’re greeted with a hug, and how are you doing…and it’s real. I think she even broke a rib last time she squeezed so tight. Her knowledge and the ability to relay that knowledge with a trusting confidence, the giving of her time, going above and beyond, and the genuine caring she passes along to others are the reasons Amy Kelly should receive this DAISY Award.