June 2021
Crystal
Aldridge
,
RN
Eating Disorders Unit
Children's Health Children's Medical Center Plano
Plano
,
TX
United States
Crystal is a wonderful nurse with outstanding clinical abilities, strong educational skills, a presence that brings a sense of calm to the program, a tenacity and belief that patients will improve at times when patients have trouble believing in themselves, and tremendous consistency and patience.
In recognition of her outstanding nursing skills, commitment to patients, and her heart for helping those from underserved communities, several team members in the Center for Pediatric Eating Disorders were moved to nominate Crystal Aldridge, RN, for The DAISY Award.
The entire team recognizes Crystal as a dedicated nurse who makes life better for children every day. Crystal has spent the past 19 years as an RN at Children’s Health providing direct care for some of our most vulnerable patients. For the first ten years of her career here, Crystal worked in the Inpatient Psychiatry program. When the Eating Disorders program opened in Plano, she transferred to the Plano campus, continuing to provide care to children who are both medically fragile and psychiatrically complex. She is a wonderful nurse with outstanding clinical abilities, strong educational skills, a presence that brings a sense of calm to the program, a tenacity and belief that patients will improve at times when patients have trouble believing in themselves, and tremendous consistency and patience.
The Eating Disorders program has a diverse patient population, and Crystal works collaboratively, both departmentally and interdepartmentally, to meet the cultural and religious beliefs of patients and families. She ensures that their belief systems are incorporated into the patient’s plan of care. A few years ago, a 16-year-old female was admitted with anxiety resulting in an inability to eat an adequate amount to gain or maintain her weight. This patient and her family shared that their faith was Orthodox Jewish. Crystal worked closely with staff to assure that the patient’s schedule allowed for her religious practices, and she worked with the dietary department to provide Kosher meals for the patient, enabling the patient to reach her goal weight while maintaining her faith practices. Crystal was also involved in working collaboratively to help a patient of Muslim faith create an individualized schedule that provided the patient time and space needed for her prayers, again working with the dietary department to assure her faith-based dietary restrictions were maintained.
Crystal lives out her patient-focused advocacy within Children’s programs and within the larger community. Examples of her support and selfless service for patients with Eating Disorders and Mental Health needs include: - the coordination of nursing-led, therapeutic groups where children can engage their own creativity to increase their positive energy at times when they feel lost or alone - organization of “spa” days for children in the partial program to promote self-care and self-esteem, as children with Eating Disorders often struggle with valuing and caring for themselves - organization of service projects for families and persons in underserved and marginalized communities. Examples of this include organizing a shoe drive for the homeless, collecting boxes of necessities for the homeless, and participating in Feed My Starving Children and Meals on Wheels. She has involved patients and staff in these projects. - serving as the Captain of the Eating Disorders Team for the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) Walks, organized the RED Balloon team for the Eating Disorders Program, and she has supported the program’s educational outreach programs by creating a beautiful centerpiece for their annual symposium.
Crystal’s nursing skills have inspired former patients to go on to careers in nursing and health care. We are grateful for the example she sets for our team and patients and for her ongoing commitment to excellence in Nursing Care. As one colleague stated, “there are so many reasons to nominate Crystal, but what immediately comes to mind is her sweet spirit with her unflinchingly strong heart.” Congratulations Crystal!
The entire team recognizes Crystal as a dedicated nurse who makes life better for children every day. Crystal has spent the past 19 years as an RN at Children’s Health providing direct care for some of our most vulnerable patients. For the first ten years of her career here, Crystal worked in the Inpatient Psychiatry program. When the Eating Disorders program opened in Plano, she transferred to the Plano campus, continuing to provide care to children who are both medically fragile and psychiatrically complex. She is a wonderful nurse with outstanding clinical abilities, strong educational skills, a presence that brings a sense of calm to the program, a tenacity and belief that patients will improve at times when patients have trouble believing in themselves, and tremendous consistency and patience.
The Eating Disorders program has a diverse patient population, and Crystal works collaboratively, both departmentally and interdepartmentally, to meet the cultural and religious beliefs of patients and families. She ensures that their belief systems are incorporated into the patient’s plan of care. A few years ago, a 16-year-old female was admitted with anxiety resulting in an inability to eat an adequate amount to gain or maintain her weight. This patient and her family shared that their faith was Orthodox Jewish. Crystal worked closely with staff to assure that the patient’s schedule allowed for her religious practices, and she worked with the dietary department to provide Kosher meals for the patient, enabling the patient to reach her goal weight while maintaining her faith practices. Crystal was also involved in working collaboratively to help a patient of Muslim faith create an individualized schedule that provided the patient time and space needed for her prayers, again working with the dietary department to assure her faith-based dietary restrictions were maintained.
Crystal lives out her patient-focused advocacy within Children’s programs and within the larger community. Examples of her support and selfless service for patients with Eating Disorders and Mental Health needs include: - the coordination of nursing-led, therapeutic groups where children can engage their own creativity to increase their positive energy at times when they feel lost or alone - organization of “spa” days for children in the partial program to promote self-care and self-esteem, as children with Eating Disorders often struggle with valuing and caring for themselves - organization of service projects for families and persons in underserved and marginalized communities. Examples of this include organizing a shoe drive for the homeless, collecting boxes of necessities for the homeless, and participating in Feed My Starving Children and Meals on Wheels. She has involved patients and staff in these projects. - serving as the Captain of the Eating Disorders Team for the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) Walks, organized the RED Balloon team for the Eating Disorders Program, and she has supported the program’s educational outreach programs by creating a beautiful centerpiece for their annual symposium.
Crystal’s nursing skills have inspired former patients to go on to careers in nursing and health care. We are grateful for the example she sets for our team and patients and for her ongoing commitment to excellence in Nursing Care. As one colleague stated, “there are so many reasons to nominate Crystal, but what immediately comes to mind is her sweet spirit with her unflinchingly strong heart.” Congratulations Crystal!