Kaelyn Miller, BSN, RN works in the Pediatric Medicine Acute Care unit at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital. She is one of the latest Vanderbilt Health DAISY Award winners.
From the nomination
“After my child was given melatonin, they attempted an MRI. We were already scheduled for the following day with anesthesia but it was suggested to try without anesthesia. My daughter was having a difficult time because of severe neck pain and we agreed to wait until the following day. After getting settled back into her room an inhalant solution was offered by someone else on the care team to give my daughter to help her fall asleep and get it taken care of now. I said OK.
Kaelyn had been at the door and asked how I felt because she noticed how rushed the conversation was. I started to process how concerned and uncomfortable I was with continuing to put my daughter in a challenging and painful experience. Kaelyn understood and agreed given all the factors to keep the originally scheduled MRI the following day.
After that decision, another team member came into the room. Kaelyn stood behind to observe and be present while they spoke to me. They attempted to push me into moving forward with the MRI now. I expressed I was uncomfortable with this situation and would like to wait.
After the conversation I was upset and Kaelyn consoled me. The interaction with this employee caught me off guard. I had been given kind, considerate, professional and supportive service at the hospital and the employee nor the way they spoke aligned with my overall observation of the hospital’s values, beliefs and integrity.
Kaelyn affirmed that my perception was not out of line and thoroughly reinforced she supported my decision. She let me know the situation bothered her so much she reported it to ensure proper measures were taken. Patient services promptly visited and we had a wonderfully reassuring conversation about everything that occurred.
Kaelyn was brave, bold and attentive. She was invested in me, my decisions, and my daughter’s wellbeing. She boldly took action on my behalf and was present during a difficult time and for that I am truly grateful. Kaelyn deserves the utmost praise and I hope she receives recognition for her actions. She is a beacon of light and the perfect representation of Monroe Carell Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt’s exceptional reputation, values and beliefs. Thank you from the bottom of my heart Kaelyn!”
About DAISY Awards
The DAISY Award is a recognition for extraordinary nurses who exemplify compassion toward patients and families.
Vanderbilt Health distributes the award in partnership with The DAISY Foundation, which was formed in 1999 to honor the memory of J. Patrick Barnes, a 33-year-old man who died of complications of the autoimmune disease Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP). Barnes’ family was moved by the care they received from his nurses and wanted to recognize them to preserve his memory. DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System.
Vanderbilt Health nurse committees determine the individual recipients. Previous recipients of the DAISY Award are here. The award is open to all licensed nurses, and anyone can nominate — including co-workers, patients and their families.
