6393

Governors Square
Salisbury, MD 21801

April 8, 2017



To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing to offer my highest recommendation on behalf of Kelly Miles. During the
summer of 2016, Kelly worked as a nurse extern on the neurosciences unit at Peninsula
Regional Medical Center, a Level III Trauma Center in Salisbury, Maryland. I am a
Registered Nurse on that unit, and I was Kellys preceptor during her two-month
externship.

Over the years, I have oriented many new nurses and precepted nursing students
participating in externships and clinical rotations. I can say without hesitation that Kelly
was one of the most promising young nurses I have ever had the pleasure to work with.

From the first, I could see that Kelly was fully engaged and eager to learn. Although there
were some hospital-determined limitations on what she was allowed to do during her
externship, she exhibited an impressive degree of self-direction, continually seeking out
opportunities to perform new skills where possible, or at least assist and observe. Other
staff on the unit frequently commented on how helpful Kelly was. During down times, Kelly
could be found answering call bells, offering assistance to other staff, or sitting and talking
with patients. She was a true asset to the unit, and we all felt her absence when her
externship was over.

Although she had not yet finished her nursing program, Kelly demonstrated a good
understanding of nursing practice. She displayed excellent assessment and critical thinking
skills and frequently verbalized connections between what she was learning in school and
what she was experiencing on the unit. Kelly was under my direct supervision, and I can
vouch for her adherence to safe and accountable practice.

One area where Kelly demonstrated maturity beyond her years was in her ability to
empathize with even the most challenging patients. Our unit cares for individuals
experiencing stroke, traumatic brain injury, encephalopathy, seizures, alcohol withdrawal,
and brain and spinal surgery among other conditions. A normal day on our unit generally
involves caring for patients who are confused, agitated, emotionally labile, exhibiting
impaired judgment, and at high risk for falls. Our patient population can be challenging for
even the most experienced nurses. Yes, despite her inexperience, Kelly seemed to have a
natural ability to relate to difficult patients. She was able to provide a calming presence to
the agitated while setting appropriate limits for those who lacked judgment. What
impressed me most was her empathy. With her caring and compassionate attitude, she
was able connect to patients from all walks of life and make a sincere and genuine effort to
understand their perspective and what was most important to them.

It was a pleasure to precept Kelly, and I have no doubt that she will be an asset to any
organization. If I can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me at
bridgette.devaney@peninsula.org or 443-614-1991.



Sincerely,



Bridgette Devaney, BSN, RN, CNRN, SCRN