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CFHN | 11 
is suffering, or we try to help and comfort their 
families with whatever they are facing. We see a 
lot of fragility and a lot of resilience. We may see 
the hardest parts of life, but it’s our responsibility 
to care, comfort and serve our patients the best 
we can. That’s what defines who we are as nurses. 
At the end of the day, I know I’ve made a 
difference when I... feel I did my best to extend 
the love of Jesus Christ in caring for and helping a 
patient or family feel loved, heard and have some 
measure of healing.
KALEY MATHEWSON, REGISTERED NURSE, 
WINTER HAVEN WOMEN’S HOSPITAL
What is a moment that reminded you why 
you became a nurse?
I stood by a patient on their worst day. There was 
nothing I could do to “fix” the situation, as we all 
want to do as nurses. There was nothing I could 
do to change the outcome. All I could do was 
be present in a time of unimaginable pain and 
grief. Offering comfort, holding space, and just 
being present to make sure they knew they were 
not alone. This moment made me realize that 
nursing is so much more than fixing, saving, and 
completing tasks. Sometimes nursing is being 
there for others in their darkest moments, offering 
a hand to hold or a shoulder to cry on and being 
present for them. Nursing is showing compassion 
when there is nothing else left to do. 
How has nursing changed you?
Nursing has taught me to stay calm in moments I 
never thought I could and to be strong for others 
in times of desperation. Nursing has taught me 
the importance of listening and just being present 
when there are no words for the situation. Nursing 
has also taught me to take care of myself when I 
can, so that I am able to pour from a full cup. 
What’s something people misunderstand 
about your job? 
Many people think nursing is just following 
doctor’s orders, completing tasks and passing 
meds. But nursing is assessing, thinking critically, 
and advocating for a patient when something 
doesn’t seem quite right. Sometimes nursing is 
as simple as being an active listener, holding the 
hand of someone who needs comfort, and being 
present when things don’t go as planned. Nursing 
is calming fears and offering encouragement 
when needed. 
Seen & Heard
Kaley is an outstanding nurse who truly 
embodies what it means to deliver exceptional, 
compassionate care. She consistently goes 
above and beyond in caring for our mothers 
and babies, ensuring each patient feels safe, 
supported, and valued during some of their most 
important moments. Her clinical skill is matched 
by her genuine kindness, creating a calming and 
reassuring environment for families.
Kaley lives out our core values of trust, dignity, 
and respect in every interaction. Whether she 
is supporting a patient, collaborating with a 
teammate, or assisting a visitor, she treats everyone 
with professionalism and heartfelt compassion. 
— Nicci Lambert, Director of Patient Services, Winter Haven 
Women’s Hospital
SANDY DANFORTH, NURSING 
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT 
PRACTITIONER, BARTOW REGIONAL 
MEDICAL CENTER
What is a moment that reminded you why 
you became a nurse?
Recently, while rounding, a patient’s family mem-
ber asked if their mother could take a shower. I 
checked with the nurse to see if the patient could 
come off telemetry, and once approved, I helped 
her shower. During that time, she became emo-
tional and began to cry, thanking me repeated-
ly. The next day, the nurse asked me to visit the 
patient because she had been speaking nonstop 
about the experience. When I went to see her, 
she shared that she felt I had “ministered to her” 
by washing her feet, comparing it to the way Mary 
washed Jesus’ feet. I had never given it a second 
thought, as this is simply something I have always 
done as part of caring for my patients. Moments 
like this remind me that nursing is about so much 
more than tasks—it’s about dignity, compassion, 
and human connection. This is one of the many 
reasons I truly love being a nurse.
How has nursing changed you?
It makes me thankful for little things that we 
sometimes take for granted.
What’s something people misunderstand 
about your job? 
Nursing is something you must do from your heart, 
and it’s not for everyone.
Seen & Heard
Sandy is a shining example of what it means to live 
out BayCare’s values of trust, respect, and dignity, 
while fully embodying the guiding principles 
that support our Journey to Extraordinary. She 
consistently goes above and beyond for her team, 
her patients, and our organization. She is not only 
a dedicated caregiver but a superior mentor and 
CONTINUED ON PAGE 12
LAUREN STEWART
KALEY MATHEWSON
SANDY DANFORTH

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