Abigail Kirchner, BSN, RN

My family and I would like to recognize Abby for her support for our mother while she was in the MICU.

There are skills that are taught at nursing school (the science), and then there are the other aspects of the job that can’t be so easily explained or learned. While Abby is superb at science thoughtful, quick to action, knowledgeable, able to explain complex bodily processes in an accessible way. What impressed us the most is how innately gifted she is in her approach to support and patient care (the art).

Her kind and steady tone cut through the tension of a difficult hospital stay. Without fail, she spoke directly to our mom and truly took the time to listen, treating her as an agent, rather than only a patient in this process.

When Mom got the worst news on her own, Abby was right there to support her through it. When there were things Mom didn’t feel up to sharing with us, Abby was there to listen and then to help bridge the gap.

When the family asked questions or wanted an update, she took as much time with us as we needed, never making it feel rushed or like we were a bother to her. During the hardest night, she offered counsel and cared not just for my mom, but the entire family so well.

She even checked with us before she left to make sure we were okay, and to tell us what a pleasure it had been in supporting our mom.

Abby, in short, is an absolute gem of a human. May we all be so lucky to have a nurse like her in our corner on our worst days!

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Abigail is also a DAISY Student Award Honoree!