Cristina is the epitome of what Intermountain should be looking for in a nurse. She is kind, caring, and compassionate not only with her patients, but also with the caregivers she works with on a daily basis. Cristina does the right thing, never taking shortcuts and always with the best of intentions. Recently, she had a rare day off and several patients explained to the covering nurse that Cristina is the reason they understand what to do with regards to their diabetes management. She has become a fixture within medical specialties.

Medical assistants and other nurses seek her out for advice on patient care, or help with clinical decision making. Cristina's nursing student this semester explained that Cristina was a welcoming presence where other nurses she had been assigned too often had the "eat their young" mentality. She felt comfortable not only asking questions, but sharing her thoughts and feelings on tough patient assignments.

Cristina listened with compassion, reassuring her on bad days, and encouraging her to continue. Cristina started with Intermountain almost one year ago. She took the job with the understanding of being a floating nurse between Endocrinology and rheumatology. In the time she has been here she has become irreplaceable. Endocrinology got busier, so she ended up spending more time in that one specialty, but has never hesitated to help where and when she is needed.

Now, our full-time rheumatology nurse is on leave, and Cristina did not hesitate to step in to help fill any gaps. She has made it so rheumatology patients have zero interruptions to their care. Medical specialties has been a small nursing group. We cover each other. But Cristina is truly remarkable. She can step in to cover any of the other nurses without hesitation and without ever being asked. She is also the number one idea contributor on our team. She brought a fresh perspective that has allowed our team to grow and thrive.

Her coworkers find her invaluable, relying not only on her high skill set but also on her approachable, easy-going nature. She is knowledgeable and willing to help explain complex issues to any other caregivers needing the boost. She is highly skilled and able to juggle tough patients as well as tough procedures with grace and humility. This semester, she mentored a student and wholly embraced teaching. By the end of her rotation, the nursing student was ready to perform all outpatient medical specialties’ procedures, as well as felt proficient in diabetes care and management. This student intends to pursue a career in outpatient nursing, which is a testament to Cristina and her dedication to teaching the next generation.

In addition to all of the above, Cristina has become instrumental in the care and management of our Spanish patients. Because she is bilingual, she is better able to connect with our Spanish-speaking patients. As a result, these patients better understand their care plans, are able to fully ask and have their questions answered and concerns validated, and are living healthier lives. Cristina embodies all that is nursing and the principles of the DAISY award. She loves her job, her patients, and her coworkers. And because she openly shows this love, they all benefit and thrive. We are better because Cristina is a part of our team!