Nursing runs in the family, mother/son duo both win healthcare awards

HASTINGS, Neb.—  A mother and son working at the same Hastings hospital are both being recognized for their dedication to patients.

Kailey Klein and her son, Noah, are both nurses at Mary Lanning Healthcare and recently received separate honors. Kailey, a nurse of nearly 34 years, received the Daisy Award for compassionate care, while Noah, who works in the hospital’s emergency department, was named Employee of the Quarter after being nominated by coworkers.

Kailey works in obstetrics at the Mary Lanning Family Care Center and says caring for patients has always been the best part of the job.

“The favorite part of my job is always the patients,” Kailey said. “No matter what RN position I’ve held, I like to approach things with humor (when appropriate) and tend to laugh with patients when I can. But I have also cried with patients and families, too.”

Noah first wanted to be a doctor, but switched to nursing for more bedside care. He says working in the emergency department allows him to help people during some of their most difficult moments.

“I stayed at MLH after college because it is a small, independent hospital where I feel like I have more of a voice,” Noah said. “I have the ability to know almost everyone who works in the building and am able to build a relationship with most of them.”

Both say they are proud of each other and enjoy working at the same hospital.