The MUSC Pastoral Care staff recently presented its fifth annual Caring Spirit Award to Kissia Randolph, R.N., a nurse in the critical care unit at Ashley River Tower. This award is presented each year in conjunction with national Pastoral Care Week to honor one faculty or staff member for commitment and support. 

MUSC's pastoral care staff with winner Kissia Randolph, center. For more information on pastoral services, visit http://www.musc.edu/pastoralcare.

Chaplain and MUSC Pastoral Care manager Terry Wilson said the award recognizes individuals who excel in providing spiritual care to patients and families, who support the pastoral care mission and foster community among clergy and hospital staff and support the pastoral care week theme which was "Shared Voices."

Wilson said Randolph more than met all the criteria and thanked her for how often she calls the chaplains to let them know their services are needed.

"Having worked with 'Kissi' around many patient and family scenarios, I have always been impressed by her consistent compassionate care. Kissi calls our service often and her referrals are always timely and appropriate. She is an empathetic presence to her patients and families. I also have witnessed her care to those on her team. Kissi has a deep faith that is a resource for her as a health care worker. She observes appropriate boundaries within her patient/family relationships around spiritual support. She is respected and liked by her coworkers on the unit."

Kissia Randolph, right, with her mother, Annette Washington, and son, Christopher.

Family and friends who attended the award ceremony echoed Wilson's statements, adding what a humble spirit she exudes. Friend Jola Powell said Randolph shows the same love and compassion to those in need in the community. "Her heart is just like that in the hospital setting as well as out of it," she said, describing how Randolph helped her recover from her surgery.

Randolph, whose 6-year-old son Christopher, helped her receive the award, said she was touched and honored to get what she sees as God's award. "When I'm in the midst of confusion, I know I can call on God," she said, adding that she sometimes prays at work before going in a patient's room. "I pray 'This is your child. I want you to help me take care of them as you would have me take care of them.' I'm grateful to receive this award.".