Cecelia Knight is an Essence of Nursing honoree.

As an ICU Float Pool and STAT team nurse, Cecelia Knight’s interactions with patients and colleagues are typically brief, but the meaningful connections she forms during even just one shift are long-lasting.

“Cecelia approaches every patient interaction as a chance to make a difference, every teaching moment as an opportunity to inspire and every challenge as a step toward growth. Her efforts do not go unnoticed — patients, families and colleagues alike recognize her as someone who consistently goes above and beyond,” wrote Monica Walcek, BSN, RN, Mary Hardiman, MSN, RN, and Nancy Zesch, BSN, RN, of the Float Pool Nursing Practice Council.

Knight’s nursing experience spans nearly 40 years. The Kentucky native came to Boston 35 years ago as a travel nurse before finding her permanent home at the Brigham. “Once I walked through these doors, I knew I’d never leave,” she said. “I feel so fortunate to have chosen this career path, and I hope it shows in every interaction I have with patients, families and my colleagues.”

Her colleagues can attest to this in the way that Knight responds to patient codes — with a sense of calm, an ability to quickly assess needs, and a genuine concern for everyone involved.

Cecelia Knight and Allison Webster

“After a rapid response or code, Cecelia always circles back to the unit to check in on the staff, making sure everyone is OK — a small but meaningful gesture that demonstrates her genuine care and concern for her colleagues’ well-being,” according to Walcek, Hardiman and Zesch. “Her composed presence during high-stress situations ensures the code team responds swiftly and effectively.”

Knight is also known for her extraordinary compassion for patients and the seemingly small gestures that make a meaningful difference in a patient’s recovery, such as providing a patient with fresh linens before a CT scan. “This act may seem simple but deeply impacts patient comfort and dignity,” wrote Walcek, Hardiman and Zesch. “These thoughtful moments reflect her profound respect for the humanity of those in her care.”

As a longtime night nurse, Knight says she finds special purpose in the care she provides to patients in the evening hours when family members may have gone home. “One of the most significant roles I play on nights is advocating for patients who may not have family present to speak on their behalf,” she said. “In critical moments, I’ve often found myself supporting patients as they make difficult decisions about their care.”

She recalled a situation where she responded to a rapid response for an Oncology patient who had a do-not-resuscitate order. The patient and his family member expressed their wishes not to escalate care and to allow the patient to remain in his recliner chair, where he felt most comfortable.

“He passed away peacefully as I sat by his side, holding on to his hand,” Knight said. “It meant the world to me to be able to be an advocate for this gentleman.”

Nursing Director Allison Webster, DNP, RN, NE-BC, noted that Knight approaches every patient with the same compassion and advocacy.

“Cecelia recognizes the importance of being fully present and engaged with her patients and can truly understand and empathize with their experiences and needs,” said Webster. “Her genuine concern for her patients and colleagues and the way she approaches her nursing care with humility are truly inspiring.”

Lauren Sweeney, MSN, RN, clinical nurse educator for the Float Pool, agreed. “In her years of service, Cecelia has consistently raised the bar. She is the kind of nurse you would want by your side in times of need — the kind of nurse you would trust implicitly with the care of your loved ones.”

Knight shared a saying she often uses and has found true since she started at the Brigham: “The grass is greener on the other side, but when you work for the Brigham, you are already on the other side.”

Nominated by the ICU Float Pool Nursing Practice Council, including Monica Walcek, BSN, RN, Mary Hardiman, MSN, RN, and Nancy Zesch, BSN, RN, with letters of support from Allison Webster, DNP, RN, NE-BC, nursing director, and Lauren Sweeney MSN, RN, clinical nurse educator