Kelley Reynolds
August 2025
Kelley
Reynolds
,
MSN, RN, CCRN
5E MICU
Emory University Hospital
Atlanta
,
GA
United States
Kelley utilized therapeutic communication techniques to de-escalate the situation and ensure the patient felt acknowledged and respected.
Kelley demonstrated exceptional professionalism and compassion when she took the initiative to care for a particularly challenging patient who was exhibiting aggressive and uncooperative behavior toward the staff. Recognizing the importance of a calm and empathetic approach, Kelley utilized therapeutic communication techniques to de-escalate the situation and ensure the patient felt acknowledged and respected. Through her active listening and patient-centered communication, she was able to establish a rapport that began to ease the patient’s distress. In addition to her direct interaction with the patient, Kelley acted as a strong advocate, collaborating with the interdisciplinary team to reassess and adapt the plan of care to better address the patient’s emotional and psychological needs. Understanding the value of holistic care, she brought in supportive resources, including the hospital chaplain, to provide spiritual and emotional support. Thanks to Kelley’s proactive and thoughtful interventions, the patient’s demeanor significantly improved by the afternoon. They became more receptive to care, willingly participated in physical therapy, and engaged more positively with staff. Kelley’s actions not only contributed to the patient’s immediate well-being but also set a powerful example of compassionate, comprehensive care for the entire team.