Jenny Flynn
August 2021
Jenny
Flynn
,
BSN, RN, CPHON
Cancer for Center and Blood Disorders Outpatient Clinic
Children's Hospital Colorado
Aurora
,
CO
United States

 

 

 

So much of this can be traced back to the day that Jenny was able to provide support in a time of need.
Jenny is in a unique role that covers nursing needs across the CCBD. She is one of a small number of nurses that help to cover a complex hematology patient. During one of her shifts, she answered what was thought to be a simple patient phone call. Jenny as she typically does, gently and genuinely listened to the patient who was a young woman. During the call, her intuition kicked in. She asked the patient whether she had basic needs such as a place to sleep. Jenny took the time to listen and create a safe place for the patient to be honest. Through Jenny’s ability to create a connection in a brief phone call, she learned that this patient was sleeping outside and needed resources but did not want or know who to ask.

In that moment, Jenny went above and beyond to connect this young woman to social work and our family navigator to provide much-needed supportive counseling, housing resources, and referrals to community resources. The next time this patient came to the clinic, she had a safe place to sleep, a new job, and was in higher spirits. So much of this can be traced back to the day that Jenny was able to provide support in a time of need.

Jenny’s ability to connect, listen and impact patients in even brief moments highlights Jenny as an extraordinary nurse. Jenny’s peers have also recognized her as an inspiration, mentor and leader in nursing at Children’s Hospital Colorado. Jenny is currently the leader of our mentorship program in CCBD. She implemented this program to connect newer nurses in CCBD to a seasoned nurse. As always, Jenny goes above and beyond in this role to connect with every new nurse and provide support and advice.

As a new nurse to CCBD, I was a participant in the mentorship program and Jenny took the time to sit and talk with me about my goals in the program. She learned that I was hoping to climb the clinical ladder, and one day approached me with an idea. She had noticed that I enjoyed providing and creating education and helped me to think of a good project. Today I am currently a CLINIII working on my education project, and it is all because of Jenny and her ability to connect with and build up other nurses.

As a resource nurse and charge nurse, Jenny wears many hats. This is not an easy task, but Jenny never hesitates to lend a helping hand or to take on a tedious task for a coworker. She is always flexible and willing to fill in wherever needed. She consistently acts as a cheerleader to her coworkers and is always able to find the positive side to things. Her expertise and experience make her a wonderful charge nurse and resource. Even if she does not know the answer, she knows exactly how to find it! As her peers, we are so grateful for her abilities as a nurse, but more importantly, we are grateful for her attitude, guidance, and compassion. Jenny is the heart and soul of CCBD, and we could not imagine clinic without her.