Kelsey is always right by our side when the unit is extremely busy and offers her help. In a code Blue once, I looked up and she was right there next to me doing compressions as I was pushing meds without even having to call and ask for help. She often walks by us and asks if we need help turning our patients. When the most critical patients arrive on the unit, she has always been right in the mix, working to help get the patient stabilized rather than hiding away in her office.

A nurse manager can be intimidating to go to when questions, concerns, etc. arise, though Kelsey has never made me feel that way. She has always had my back as a new grad and took the time to speak to me during tough times to check on my well-being and support me through it. She is always fair in her decisions and really makes an effort to take in and include staff opinions on unit issues/changes. Rather than only being a cheerleader for her unit, Kelsey actually takes our input into account and really tries to advocate for what is best for the nurses/staff on the unit. When concerns are raised, they are really taken into account and not just shoved in our faces.

I believe that Kelsey is the personification of ‘leading by example,” and it shows every time when we need her the most. It is extremely comforting knowing that we are led by a manager who is not afraid to jump in the middle with us at the bedside.