September 2026 Honoree
Taylor Kervin, RN
I would say Taylor demonstrates all core values, but her integrity and compassion really stood out. She brings calm to the chaos, making the ER such a perfect fit for her.
My mother has not been to the hospital in almost 30 years and has never been to a hospital in the United States. I admit that when I brought her in, I was not entirely aware of the gravity of her circumstances. When she was first brought into a room, it looked like something out of The Resident. Lots of bodies and moving parts and questions, though all very professional, and I will also assert, an excellent display of teamwork and cohesion. It wasn’t until we got to the questions that I realized my mother couldn’t comprehend much of what was going on. Giving strange responses, providing half answers in Spanish, appearing confused.
Once the initial wave settled, Taylor came in. She has a quiet sort of kindness about her. Very focused, organized, educated, and at the same time very gentle. At first, she didn’t speak much while my mother rested. As my mother's temporary mouthpiece, I had some questions. She explained everything in an easily comprehensible way, provided all options wherever applicable, and remained very grounded throughout. She also communicated with her team in a timely manner, and my mother’s care was seamless.
One example, though it seems silly, is when the urine sample discussion started. My mother’s BP was too low to be able to get up and walk to the restroom. If you know anything about Catholic culture, more specifically Catholic guilt, you know there are things that are simply not discussed, and others that are extremely private. Normally my mom would’ve gotten uncomfortable speaking to someone outside of her nuclear family about such things, maybe even a little skittish. Try not to laugh but her and I spent 10 minutes making peeing sounds trying to get her to concentrate enough to be able to go in the bedpan. It was so obvious that her overall health state and all the different cords and tubes connected all over her body made it difficult for her to get physically comfortable enough. Taylor came in, explained the alternative, showed my mother the device, and took the time to explain how it worked. I could see in my mother’s face that Taylor’s presence was very soothing. For someone with a baseline as anxious as my mother’s, this is a big deal. I can honestly say that all interactions and discussions of next steps and medical decisions were approached with the same patience, clarity, and tenderness. We never felt unsure, and we were never left with questions. We had so much confidence in her and even after my mother was moved to med surge she had so many positive things to say about the sweet young lady downstairs.
For context, I worked in Risk Management in a hospital setting for three years. I’ve worked alongside and conducted in-service for hundreds of nurses. Hold onto her as best you can. Being in a hospital will always feel scary on the patient side, and Taylor demonstrates the importance of individualized and culturally competent care, maintaining the integrity of the patient at all times, and a complete understanding of treating patients with dignity and respect. I certainly do not see nurses like her every day, or even every week. It is my privilege to nominate her for this award, and I thank you for taking the time to consider my recommendation.
My mother has not been to the hospital in almost 30 years and has never been to a hospital in the United States. I admit that when I brought her in, I was not entirely aware of the gravity of her circumstances. When she was first brought into a room, it looked like something out of The Resident. Lots of bodies and moving parts and questions, though all very professional, and I will also assert, an excellent display of teamwork and cohesion. It wasn’t until we got to the questions that I realized my mother couldn’t comprehend much of what was going on. Giving strange responses, providing half answers in Spanish, appearing confused.
Once the initial wave settled, Taylor came in. She has a quiet sort of kindness about her. Very focused, organized, educated, and at the same time very gentle. At first, she didn’t speak much while my mother rested. As my mother's temporary mouthpiece, I had some questions. She explained everything in an easily comprehensible way, provided all options wherever applicable, and remained very grounded throughout. She also communicated with her team in a timely manner, and my mother’s care was seamless.
One example, though it seems silly, is when the urine sample discussion started. My mother’s BP was too low to be able to get up and walk to the restroom. If you know anything about Catholic culture, more specifically Catholic guilt, you know there are things that are simply not discussed, and others that are extremely private. Normally my mom would’ve gotten uncomfortable speaking to someone outside of her nuclear family about such things, maybe even a little skittish. Try not to laugh but her and I spent 10 minutes making peeing sounds trying to get her to concentrate enough to be able to go in the bedpan. It was so obvious that her overall health state and all the different cords and tubes connected all over her body made it difficult for her to get physically comfortable enough. Taylor came in, explained the alternative, showed my mother the device, and took the time to explain how it worked. I could see in my mother’s face that Taylor’s presence was very soothing. For someone with a baseline as anxious as my mother’s, this is a big deal. I can honestly say that all interactions and discussions of next steps and medical decisions were approached with the same patience, clarity, and tenderness. We never felt unsure, and we were never left with questions. We had so much confidence in her and even after my mother was moved to med surge she had so many positive things to say about the sweet young lady downstairs.
For context, I worked in Risk Management in a hospital setting for three years. I’ve worked alongside and conducted in-service for hundreds of nurses. Hold onto her as best you can. Being in a hospital will always feel scary on the patient side, and Taylor demonstrates the importance of individualized and culturally competent care, maintaining the integrity of the patient at all times, and a complete understanding of treating patients with dignity and respect. I certainly do not see nurses like her every day, or even every week. It is my privilege to nominate her for this award, and I thank you for taking the time to consider my recommendation.
Thank you, Taylor, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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