I had the privilege of receiving care from Kelci multiple times during one of the most difficult times in my life. I had a suspected ectopic pregnancy and was seen in the emergency department around four times before my fallopian tube ultimately ruptured.

From our very first encounter, Kelci stood out as incredibly patient, empathetic, and committed to truly advocating for her patients. She made sure my pain was taken seriouslysomething I had not experienced in previous ER visits. Kelci treated me like a human being.

When I felt unheard and dismissed, she stood by me, encouraging me to keep coming back for care until answers came. She listened. She validated my pain. And most importantly, she made me feel safe in a time filled with fear and uncertainty.

Over the course of nearly a month, I saw Kelci during each ER visit. Her consistency, compassion, and unwavering support restored a sense of trust I had lost in emergency medicine.

A few months later, I returned to the ER with severe pain from an adverse reaction to a tattoo. When I came back for the second time that same day, I was overwhelmed and vomiting from the painbut seeing that Kelci was my nurse again instantly brought relief. I knew I would be taken seriously and cared for, and much of my anxiety subsided.

Just today, I happened to cross paths with Kelci again while running down to the ER during my shift. I’m currently 27 weeks pregnant, and to my surprise, she congratulated me and remembered who I was. That moment, though brief, was a clear testament to Kelci's unwavering compassion for her patients.

Kelci’s care inspired me to return to nursing school after a long break caused by health challenges and a wavering faith in the system. She reminded me of the kind of nurse I want to beone who heals not just physically, but emotionally, too. I hope to be half the nurse that Kelci is.