In the almost 14 years I've worked with Kelli, I can only think of one time that I've ever seen her upset. I can't remember specific details of that day, but I do remember thinking "This is it? I'm more upset than she is, and this happened to her!" Kelli rarely complains about challenging family members, under staffed days, difficult patient assignment, or any other circumstance. She comes into work smiling, and offering everyone a "good morning". She arrives ready for whatever this unit throws her way. Kelli is a passionate nurse that sincerely cares about her patients and family members. She is always flexible. Kelli is an amazing team player, co-worker, charge nurse, person and friend.
Recently, on her day off, Kelli came to work for a CVL class. I was also here attending the class. While walking towards the auditorium for the CVL class, I found Kelli in her street clothes consoling a patient's family member in the hallway. She is so passionate, that even on her day off, she is caring, concerned, loving and being supportive to a family member. The family member was a mom of a patient who had been a patient in MICU for over a month. From what I understand, Kelli and the patient's mother had formed a close bond. When Kelli worked, she may not have been assigned to the patient, but she would stop by his room to see him and his mom. She offered support to both the patient and his mom, who watched her son spend many days sedated on a ventilator in our unit. Unfortunately, this patient passed away in MICU. Kelli was here that sad day. Who did this patient's mom want by her side? No one other than Kelli, and Kelli was one of the few allowed in his room by the mother. Kelli truly goes above and beyond on a daily basis and is a pleasure to work with.