Caitlin Buckingham
July 2016
Caitlin
Buckingham
,
BSN, RN, CPN
Nursing Float Team
Children's Hospital Colorado
Aurora
,
CO
United States

 

 

 

Caitlin is an exemplary nurse who demonstrates the utmost compassion and care, illustrating the values of our organization through generous service. She sets an exceptional example of what a pediatric nurse is: kind, creative, patient, empathetic, fun, and compassionate.
Caitlin's collaborative skills have been evident through her strong ability to adapt in every unit of the hospital. Being on the Float Team, Caitlin must be adaptable each day she is on shift. Depending on the day, she may be assigned to the PICU, NICU, Medical, Surgical, Emergency Department, Pulmonary, or Hematology/Oncology unit.
One day, Caitlin began her shift in the Emergency Department caring for over 30 patients in the span of 8 hours. The ages of her patients ranged from one day old to 15 years old. There were multiple families waiting over one hour to be seen by the Emergency Department staff, so the pressure was on. Not once did she complain—she would greet each family like they were her first patient of the day. Caitlin instilled confidence and comfort to each family member and patient, treating them with compassion and empathy. Finally, at 3:00 pm, Caitlin was asked to relocate to the Oncology Unit, where one of her patients required IVIG, and another required a blood transfusion. Despite being given a tough and very involved assignment, Caitlin displayed great patience and empathy for her patients. This example is just one of many occasions where she displayed adaptability, while providing family centered care in the highest manner.
Caitlin's positive attitude, contagious smile, and willingness to help out her team make her a staff favorite among nurses, providers, and techs throughout the hospital—she is a collaborator with outstanding interpersonal skills.