We hurried to the ER with my severely disabled daughter, A, struggling to breathe and not at all herself. Quickly taken back to a room, Kirk was at A’s side immediately, asking questions and miraculously locating and starting an IV. A is very small, and her sensitive skin makes it very difficult to draw blood. She is unable to communicate or follow commands – with keen insight and calm manner, Kirk recognized the need for “second mile patience” and acute attention to A’s special needs and breathing difficulties. He had us go for X-rays and tests in a flash. Several other nurses and lab techs were unsuccessful in starting the second IV and drawing blood. Kirk, respectively, but firmly took charge and told them all, “he would do it”. He followed through, using an ultrasound machine to successfully locate “a spot.” He secured the needed items and equipment not readily available in the room. He fully shared the extent of lung involvement with fluid and infection, then reassured us that whoever was needed to address the problems would be consulted. He thoroughly questioned me on the long list of big-time medications A takes daily and accurately ensured all meds she cannot take were plainly listed and highlighted.

Over several hours in the ER, he kept us informed of exactly what was being found and the likely next steps in A’s care. He intervened professionally and compassionately when the lab tech returned for another attempt to draw blood because she had not accurately reported/requested all the tests the doctor ordered! Without question, Kirk’s actions, care, and protection of my daughter’s special needs and the seriousness of her situation were a most valuable part of her treatment and recovery from serious, complicated pneumonia in a very vulnerable special needs patient. He is a most valuable asset to Baptist Anderson Regional Medical Center and compassionately and professionally demonstrated his above-and-beyond calling as an RN. Kirk Shows is your employee deserving of the DAISY Award!