Recently, I received a call from the wife of a patient Kinley had cared for on two separate occasions. She stated that this nurse was the sweetest, friendliest, and hardest-working employee she had ever met in her life, and she noticed during both visits how kind Kinley was when interacting with physicians and coworkers. She said during the first encounter, her husband had been sent to our ED for emergent eye surgery, so they were not scared and were not in need of any nursing care, just waiting for surgery. Kinley still took time to check on them frequently. She was so kind and attentive, and it left a lasting impression on this patient’s wife. She was so thrilled with Kinley, she even went to the gift shop and bought her flowers and candy!

The second encounter came just two weeks later when her husband was brought to the ED with a heart attack. When she arrived and saw Kinley with her husband, she was so relieved and knew he was in good hands! She watched Kinley working quickly, ensuring he reached the cath lab as soon as possible, all while providing reassurance. “That little stink pot girl told us he is going to be just fine and well cared for, and she was right!”

Kinley is such a wonderful person, and this is just one example. She is always upbeat, caring, and her interactions are so genuine. She makes a lasting impression on everyone she meets. She is not only recognized by patients but has also been recognized by multiple students for providing a wonderful learning experience in the ED. She has been recognized by physicians, even outside of our department, and when our division partners met her, they, too, were overjoyed and immediately recognized how amazing she was! Kinley is such a ray of sunshine and so deserving of a DAISY Award!