
One of the highlights of Dr. Kelly’s journey was being published. She most recently contributed articles like “Preserving moral integrity: A follow-up study with new graduate nurses” and “Hospital nursing: It’s a battle,” to the Journal of Advanced Nursing. Other notable articles include “Ethical hospital nursing as perceived by British and American undergraduates” in Social Sciences in Health: International Journal of Research and Practice, “Invest in yourself: Speaking up-A moral obligation” in Nursing Forum, “Storytelling: It’s the connection” in Nursing Connections, and Professional self-concepts of senior nursing students and their perceptions of influential forces” in the Journal of Nursing Education. She also wrote chapters for books.As a testament to her hard work and dedication, Dr. Kelly was awarded $10,000 for Advocacy for Children from the Emory University Teaching Fund in 1998 and a grant from the Rabinowitz Nursing Research Fund in 1989. She was also honored with the Alumni Appreciation Award from the College of Nursing at the University of Cincinnati in 1987, the Brodie Doctoral Award from the University of Cincinnati in 1980, and a gold medal from the Eastern District Hospital in Scotland in 1960, as well as with an award for her project, “Holistic Prenatal Assessment: A videotape,” through the Strengthening Developing Institutions Program at the University of Cincinnati, and with the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award. Her achievements were highlighted in two editions of Who’s Who in American Nursing.
Although Dr. Kelly is now retired, she remains involved in her community by volunteering at a local nursing home. She goes every Tuesday when the priest isn’t there to give out Holy Eucharist to the patients. Additionally, she maintains affiliation with the American Nurses Association, Sigma Theta Tau, and Phi Kappa Phi.