Alex Karsting, RN

In the Emergency Department, it is easy to get caught up in the chaos. We see countless patients every day. I have had the privilege of working with Alex Karsting, and she provides excellent care in the ER and never lets the pace of the unit determine the quality of care she gives.

We cared for a patient who required home oxygen before discharge. The patient was an elderly patient who came in scared and overwhelmed. The patent continued to reiterate to us that she did not “want to be a burden”, however, while the rest of us were continuing to balance multiple patients, Alex still found the time to sit with the patient and truly understand why they were refusing. Alex could have simply documented the refusal and moved on. She chose to take the time to communicate with the patient. She addressed the patient’s fears, answered questions, and explained what could happen if they went home without oxygen. She never made the patient feel pressured. She met the patient with compassion, respect, and patience.

Alongside her care with the patient, Alex worked closely with the physician, respiratory therapy team, and care management to make sure that every bump in the road was addressed and taken care of to make the transition smooth. Because of Alex’s persistence and concern for the patient, the patient agreed to go home with oxygen. The decision may have seemed small or simple to some people, but it prevented the patient from returning to the emergency department. Alex does not just discharge patients continuously. She actively advocates for patients when they can’t do it for themselves. This is who she is every shift. She treats all parents with care and dignity, taking the time to educate and find the appropriate resources without rushing through the motions.

Alex is the type of coworker everyone wants in their corner because she leads with compassion and handles situations without hesitation. Alex reminds us all of why we chose the profession. Emergency nursing is often measured and seen by speed and efficiency; however, Alex proves that compassion is just as lifesaving as clinical skills. She reminds us that nursing is more than just completing the tasks; it’s about advocating for people. She is the nurse every patient hopes to have, and every coworker is grateful to work next to.