Kirstin Manges
April 2013
Kirstin
Manges
,
BSN, RN
3JCP-Pediatrics
University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics
Iowa City
,
IA
United States
This month's DAISY award was presented to Kirstin Manges, BSN, RN, staff nurse on 3JCP. The presentation was extra special because it was attended by Kirstin's mom (a former staff nurse here) and her grandmother, along with Dr. Jill Scott-Cawizell, Kirstin's advisor in the DNP program at UI College of Nursing. It was such a meaningful nomination by a patient's wife, who shared the following:
I wanted to express my deepest gratitude to one of your staff members, Kirstin M, from the pediatric oncology floor at the University of Iowa Children's Hospital. One Friday a month ago when my husband was very sick in the hospital, I ran into Kirstin when I was trying to find the cafeteria. I had not left my husband's side for almost a week and had become lost. It was later at night, so no one was around. Kirstin found me and walked with me to the cafeteria. Although Kirstin was on her day off and was only walking through the hallway to go home, she took the time to help me find the small cafeteria.
At this time, my husband was not doing well. He is in his early 90s and the strength of his heart is slowly fading. That night, I was afraid that he wouldn't make it to the morning. Embarrassingly as we walked, I cried as I told Kirstin my story. Instead of nodding or just letting me go as we got to the cafeteria, Kirstin insisted to pay for my dinner and coffee, as I forgot my wallet in the room. She must have sat with me for twenty minutes, listening patiently and asking about my husband.
Honestly, I think that she is an angel in disguise. I have never met a stranger as kind as this beautiful young woman who would spend her day off listening and caring for someone like me. I can only imagine how compassionate she is with her own patients on the pediatric oncology floor. She must be a wonderful nurse. Kirstin gave me a hug and the strength to return to my husband's side. She also gave me the confidence that everything would be ok.
Thinking about our journey at the University of Iowa Hospital, we experienced many kind and caring physicians, nurses, and physical therapists. But seeing the kindness of a staff member on their day off reflects how much the staff here really cares about the people you serve. I have often thought about this kindness at home, and returning to the clinic. I thought I should tell someone that this girl deserves the DAISY Award and a big Thank You!
I wanted to express my deepest gratitude to one of your staff members, Kirstin M, from the pediatric oncology floor at the University of Iowa Children's Hospital. One Friday a month ago when my husband was very sick in the hospital, I ran into Kirstin when I was trying to find the cafeteria. I had not left my husband's side for almost a week and had become lost. It was later at night, so no one was around. Kirstin found me and walked with me to the cafeteria. Although Kirstin was on her day off and was only walking through the hallway to go home, she took the time to help me find the small cafeteria.
At this time, my husband was not doing well. He is in his early 90s and the strength of his heart is slowly fading. That night, I was afraid that he wouldn't make it to the morning. Embarrassingly as we walked, I cried as I told Kirstin my story. Instead of nodding or just letting me go as we got to the cafeteria, Kirstin insisted to pay for my dinner and coffee, as I forgot my wallet in the room. She must have sat with me for twenty minutes, listening patiently and asking about my husband.
Honestly, I think that she is an angel in disguise. I have never met a stranger as kind as this beautiful young woman who would spend her day off listening and caring for someone like me. I can only imagine how compassionate she is with her own patients on the pediatric oncology floor. She must be a wonderful nurse. Kirstin gave me a hug and the strength to return to my husband's side. She also gave me the confidence that everything would be ok.
Thinking about our journey at the University of Iowa Hospital, we experienced many kind and caring physicians, nurses, and physical therapists. But seeing the kindness of a staff member on their day off reflects how much the staff here really cares about the people you serve. I have often thought about this kindness at home, and returning to the clinic. I thought I should tell someone that this girl deserves the DAISY Award and a big Thank You!