May 2026
Britney
Kay
,
RN
Behavioral Health
Penn Highlands Connellsville
Connellsville
,
PA
United States
Britney was the light at the end of the tunnel for this patient, letting them know they always have support.
I am writing to enthusiastically nominate Britney Kay for a DAISY Award in recognition of their exceptional compassion, clinical skill, and dedication to patients on our psychiatric unit. Her ability to connect with patients during some of their most vulnerable moments consistently sets her apart. One example that stands out involved a patient admitted with severe anxiety and paranoia who initially refused all care and communication. Britney Kay approached the patient with remarkable patience, sitting quietly nearby and offering reassurance without pressure. Over time, through consistent presence and gentle conversation, the patient began to engage. By the end of the shift, the patient accepted medication and expressed feeling “safe for the first time.” This transformation was a direct result of Britney’s calm demeanor and respect for the patient’s pace.
In another instance, a patient experiencing acute emotional distress following a traumatic event became increasingly agitated and tearful. Britney recognized the escalation early and intervened using therapeutic communication techniques, guiding the patient through grounding exercises and active listening. Rather than resorting immediately to medication or restraints, she de-escalated the situation, helping the patient regain control and dignity. The patient later expressed deep gratitude, stating that they felt “heard, not overlooked."
Britney will always try therapeutic communication and redirection before using restraints, whether chemical or physical. Britney, on multiple occasions, always prioritizes speaking with every individual in length to allow the patient time to express their feelings/thoughts. Britney always approaches high acuity patients with care and compassion. She sets clear boundaries/limits without making the patient feel overlooked. Britney educates on possible outcomes without coming off threatening or demanding.
An instance that stands out the most is advocacy! One of my first experiences with a patient who began to self-harm and attempt to throw contaminated blood at staff. Britney explained to the patient without judgment that if that patient were to keep picking at himself, that patient would be at risk of blood infections like sepsis, etc. However, an MHA improperly restrained a patient. I was stunned to witness poor communication skills/inappropriate language, and improper restraint. I felt lost and hurt over the whole situation, like I should have done more to prevent such actions. Britney was there to support me, as a supervisor, in following the proper steps for reporting such behavior. She was also there to advocate for the patient regarding improper protocol. Britney advocated for this patient and did not allow such behavior to go unnoticed or unreported. She listened to my concerns about the situation. Proper actions were taken.
Another example is a previous patient who called the unit one night in a panic. Britney had an extremely great rapport with this patient. She used a calm tone of voice and directed the patient to proper resources. The patient felt heard and seen. This patient returned for a psych evaluation and received appropriate care due to her adherence to the following procedure and education. At the beginning of the phone call, the patient was in a panic and inconsolable. At the end of the phone call, the patient was on the way to the hospital for a psych evaluation. The impact of psych nursing on a patient's life is forever. In psych nursing, it is important to provide resources and step in before the patient takes irreversible actions. Britney was the light at the end of the tunnel for this patient, letting them know they always have support. This patient felt safe to call in for help because they knew that she would be able to help in this crisis.
There are many more; however, with every shift she makes, she leaves a mark. With every shift, she puts her all into every patient in her care. Every shift, she provides remarkable, safe, and adequate care. She makes staff feel safe and heard. She listens to every patient's needs and concerns. If she does not know the answer immediately, she always makes an effort to find a solution. She allows each patient to express themselves in the way they need to in that moment. She always meets her patients where they are at. At the end of the day, that is all some of these patients need. They want to feel heard and seen.
Additionally, Britney consistently advocates for patients. The emergency department or other facilities are quick to want our unit to take a patient without knowing all the details. Britney will always make sure the documents/commitments are properly and legally correct. Britney will always use her nursing judgment and review every detail before bringing patients over to ensure they are safe and medically stable.
Beyond individual interactions, Britney Kay fosters a therapeutic environment on the unit. She supports colleagues, models trauma-informed care, and ensures that every patient is treated with dignity and respect, regardless of diagnosis or circumstance. It is clear that Britney Kay embodies the values of the DAISY Award through their unwavering commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care. I strongly believe they deserve this recognition.
In another instance, a patient experiencing acute emotional distress following a traumatic event became increasingly agitated and tearful. Britney recognized the escalation early and intervened using therapeutic communication techniques, guiding the patient through grounding exercises and active listening. Rather than resorting immediately to medication or restraints, she de-escalated the situation, helping the patient regain control and dignity. The patient later expressed deep gratitude, stating that they felt “heard, not overlooked."
Britney will always try therapeutic communication and redirection before using restraints, whether chemical or physical. Britney, on multiple occasions, always prioritizes speaking with every individual in length to allow the patient time to express their feelings/thoughts. Britney always approaches high acuity patients with care and compassion. She sets clear boundaries/limits without making the patient feel overlooked. Britney educates on possible outcomes without coming off threatening or demanding.
An instance that stands out the most is advocacy! One of my first experiences with a patient who began to self-harm and attempt to throw contaminated blood at staff. Britney explained to the patient without judgment that if that patient were to keep picking at himself, that patient would be at risk of blood infections like sepsis, etc. However, an MHA improperly restrained a patient. I was stunned to witness poor communication skills/inappropriate language, and improper restraint. I felt lost and hurt over the whole situation, like I should have done more to prevent such actions. Britney was there to support me, as a supervisor, in following the proper steps for reporting such behavior. She was also there to advocate for the patient regarding improper protocol. Britney advocated for this patient and did not allow such behavior to go unnoticed or unreported. She listened to my concerns about the situation. Proper actions were taken.
Another example is a previous patient who called the unit one night in a panic. Britney had an extremely great rapport with this patient. She used a calm tone of voice and directed the patient to proper resources. The patient felt heard and seen. This patient returned for a psych evaluation and received appropriate care due to her adherence to the following procedure and education. At the beginning of the phone call, the patient was in a panic and inconsolable. At the end of the phone call, the patient was on the way to the hospital for a psych evaluation. The impact of psych nursing on a patient's life is forever. In psych nursing, it is important to provide resources and step in before the patient takes irreversible actions. Britney was the light at the end of the tunnel for this patient, letting them know they always have support. This patient felt safe to call in for help because they knew that she would be able to help in this crisis.
There are many more; however, with every shift she makes, she leaves a mark. With every shift, she puts her all into every patient in her care. Every shift, she provides remarkable, safe, and adequate care. She makes staff feel safe and heard. She listens to every patient's needs and concerns. If she does not know the answer immediately, she always makes an effort to find a solution. She allows each patient to express themselves in the way they need to in that moment. She always meets her patients where they are at. At the end of the day, that is all some of these patients need. They want to feel heard and seen.
Additionally, Britney consistently advocates for patients. The emergency department or other facilities are quick to want our unit to take a patient without knowing all the details. Britney will always make sure the documents/commitments are properly and legally correct. Britney will always use her nursing judgment and review every detail before bringing patients over to ensure they are safe and medically stable.
Beyond individual interactions, Britney Kay fosters a therapeutic environment on the unit. She supports colleagues, models trauma-informed care, and ensures that every patient is treated with dignity and respect, regardless of diagnosis or circumstance. It is clear that Britney Kay embodies the values of the DAISY Award through their unwavering commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care. I strongly believe they deserve this recognition.