Jen Krentz
October 2025
Jen
Krentz
,
BSN, RN
PICU
Children's Minnesota
Minneapolis
,
MN
United States
Jen is next level, and we want her to know the difference she made for us – and we’re certain she has and will for many other past, present, and future patients.
The worst days of my family’s life were touched beautifully by so many people during our undesired, undeserved, and untimely visit to Children’s. But one stood apart – because she stood by us, carried us, and held us up as we said goodbye to a sweet child far too soon.
Jen was everything.
She was patient (with so many visitors).
She was professional (graciously allowing us to be in ‘her’ space at all times).
She was helpful (ensuring we had the things we needed while we camped out).
She was an expert (in her care, keeping a critically ill body well enough to stay alive – and to heal).
She was involved (joining in sweetly with the many family moments we created).
She was compassionate (in every single interaction with our child, and with each one of us).
She was an advocate (and helped us make plans to surround our girl regardless of the situation).
She was efficient (minimizing interruptions whenever possible).
She was thoughtful (finding a perfect outfit for the honor walk).
She was knowledgeable (and if she didn’t know, she found the answer quickly).
She was kind (with a soft smile, hand to hold, or simply a comforting presence).
She was close (yet gave us space when we needed it).
She was calm (despite the constant whirlwind of people, emotions, and care teams).
She was magic!
Jen was pure magic for us – and for our daughter. While we were falling apart, she held our girl in the highest regard and held us together through the longest three days of our lives.
As a nurse myself, I found myself reflecting deeply on this experience. If I can be even 50% of the nurse Jen was for us, I would be confident I made a difference every single day.
Jen is next level, and we want her to know the difference she made for us – and we’re certain she has and will for many other past, present, and future patients. Our daughter was sunshine in human form; Jen is too, and she shone brightly in a very long, dark week.
She carried our girl to the finish line, staying by her side until the very end, while she gave the most precious gifts of all: her heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, and pancreas.
We will be eternally grateful.
Thank you, Jen. Thank you for being a rock and a source of support for all of us through 36 of the most exhausting, emotional, and ultimately tragically beautiful hours of our lives.
Jen was everything.
She was patient (with so many visitors).
She was professional (graciously allowing us to be in ‘her’ space at all times).
She was helpful (ensuring we had the things we needed while we camped out).
She was an expert (in her care, keeping a critically ill body well enough to stay alive – and to heal).
She was involved (joining in sweetly with the many family moments we created).
She was compassionate (in every single interaction with our child, and with each one of us).
She was an advocate (and helped us make plans to surround our girl regardless of the situation).
She was efficient (minimizing interruptions whenever possible).
She was thoughtful (finding a perfect outfit for the honor walk).
She was knowledgeable (and if she didn’t know, she found the answer quickly).
She was kind (with a soft smile, hand to hold, or simply a comforting presence).
She was close (yet gave us space when we needed it).
She was calm (despite the constant whirlwind of people, emotions, and care teams).
She was magic!
Jen was pure magic for us – and for our daughter. While we were falling apart, she held our girl in the highest regard and held us together through the longest three days of our lives.
As a nurse myself, I found myself reflecting deeply on this experience. If I can be even 50% of the nurse Jen was for us, I would be confident I made a difference every single day.
Jen is next level, and we want her to know the difference she made for us – and we’re certain she has and will for many other past, present, and future patients. Our daughter was sunshine in human form; Jen is too, and she shone brightly in a very long, dark week.
She carried our girl to the finish line, staying by her side until the very end, while she gave the most precious gifts of all: her heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, and pancreas.
We will be eternally grateful.
Thank you, Jen. Thank you for being a rock and a source of support for all of us through 36 of the most exhausting, emotional, and ultimately tragically beautiful hours of our lives.