Kaitlyn demonstrates a commitment to compassionate care of patients and families each time she is in the clinical setting. That said, I will focus on one patient care experience for this portion of the nomination. Kaitlyn was assigned a patient who was very sick and having trouble breathing effectively. Kaitlyn not only provided excellent care to this patient, but she also built a good rapport with her. She advocated for the patient when she was concerned about medications not being prescribed and she provided emotional support when the patient was anxious. The patient was quite anxious about her missing medications and Kaitlyn sought out the doctor to have these orders added. This can be intimidating for nursing students, but Kaitlyn took on the challenge head-on. This really helped to ease the anxiety of her patient. On the second day of caring for this patient, the patient only wanted Kaitlyn to provide care for her. She nicely declined care from all other caregivers and requested that they find "her student nurse, Kaitlyn." Kaitlyn is compassionate and patient when providing care, which enhances the care she provides. She also connects well with the staff at the facilities. Her co-assigned nurses have trust in her ability to provide care and report they enjoy working with her. She demonstrates superior knowledge in the nursing role when in the clinical setting. She prepares appropriately for her clinical day and demonstrates an ability to transfer knowledge from the classroom to the clinical setting. I personally feel she works hard each and every week to ensure she grows as a nursing student. I have no doubt she will make a fantastic nurse. I would not hesitate to have her care for any of my loved ones.

Kaitlyn serves as a role model and leader to student peers in a variety of different ways. As an instructor, one of the most notable ways for me, is she is always upbeat and positive when in the clinical setting. She is excited and enthusiastic regardless of the clinical experience. Her enthusiasm has a tendency of creating excitement and enthusiasm with her fellow students. I personally feel this excitement and enthusiasm helps to enhance learning. Kaitlyn is also a great resource for her fellow students. She jumps in and assists her fellow students whenever she has free time. In the first term, she was very helpful to her fellow students who did not have experience in healthcare. Many of these students were nervous about providing basic care, such as hygiene care and vital signs. Kaitlyn was very supportive of her fellow students during these times. Nursing school is extremely challenging and stressful. In addition to managing the stressors of nursing school, Kaitlyn also works as an LNA. This adds stress to an already stressful situation. It also shows incredible drive and determination. I feel that it's important to recognize this drive and determination.