The unit was staffed with a skeleton crew and we had a nurse who stayed over from the day shift to help until 2300. At this point, we were going to be OK. I was coming in to be charge and the charge nurse would have to take an assignment at 2300 if we were unable to get staff to come in. Unfortunately, after shift change, one of our nurses did not get there until 2100. Jennifer calmly notified me that we had an issue and she proceeded to take the assignment herself. Upon my arrival to the unit, she was taking excellent care of all four infants and displayed a positive can do attitude.
Once the nurse arrived, Jennifer then had to go take another 3 baby assignments for the remainder of the shift as was the initial plan. In the past few months we have been faced with staffing challenges it seems daily and it would be very easy to jump on that bandwagon and complain, but Jennifer never complained or talked negatively about the situation. The charge nurse often sets the tone for the unit and she led by example. Being a charge nurse is not an easy job and often times goes without recognition. I want to ensure that she is recognized for her leadership, professionalism, and being a positive role model for others.
***
Jennifer Kyham is an excellent charge nurse. She is always willing to help and goes above and beyond in all her work. She has helped out in numerous situations when assignments are heavy and she is a team player. All of the nurses appreciate her and she is one of our favorite charge nurses on nights. She is very approachable and always very helpful.