...Mary Kelly exemplifies each of the criteria every day in the care she delivers to her patients and families and with the knowledge she shares with students and other members of the healthcare team. In her role as preceptor to nursing students, I receive numerous comments on how caring Mary is towards her patients and the amount of education she provides to her patients each and every time she enters the room. The students learn a wealth of information from her teaching and patience with them. They remark in post conference that her discharge instructions are briefer than other preceptors they have been with because she has covered the majority of the instructions throughout their stay and utilizes the protected discharge time to ask them questions about items taught (teach back technique).

Most recently I learned about a patient of Mary’s that is crediting her with their decision to stay in school and become a nurse. Mary cared for a young woman that had repeated admissions for pancreatitis. This patient was 2 years into her nursing program at Chamberlain University and due to her multiple hospitalizations had decided not to continue her dream to be a nurse. That changed when she met Mary.

Due to Mary’s kindness, compassion, and love for her profession, this student was so moved that she reconsidered her choice and continued on with her studies despite her chronic illness. Mary had no idea what an impact she had on this person until she received a call from this nurse asking her if she would attend and “pin her” in the pinning ceremony. She proceeded to share with Mary that when she was in her darkest hour, Mary lifted her spirits and gave her hope. The pinning ceremony is next month but due to her work schedule, she is not able to attend. Mary had tears in her eyes as she shared this story with me. She is truly a worthy recipient of this award.