Kris has been an infection preventionist for 8 years. During this time she has helped to expand the infection prevention and control department at Hinsdale hospital by providing surveillance support and clinical rounding for hand hygiene, isolation, and SCIP compliance.

Kris’s positive attitude is contagious. She is quick to give positive feedback to staff verbally and through prizes for observed compliance- the latest prize is the coveted Golden Foley Award for proper documentation of Foley catheter insertion and discontinuation which is essential to meet the SCIP elements of performance as well as reduce urinary tract infection and associated antibiotic use.

Kris is innovative, bringing creativity to the hospital and nursing orientation by using games such as bingo-orientees listen for the words on the bingo card that remind how health care associated infections are prevented. This helps to keep attention to the content as well as provide an opportunity to win a piece of candy! She provides unit specific education as requested always using the latest evidence based research.

Kris participates on the Value Analysis Committee, Clinical Practice Committee and Regional infection Prevention Committee. She is a Spiritual Ambassador for the Quality Management Department and a team captain for the annual Heart Walk. She is always willing to offer support to those in need.

This year Kris is the super user for the Quality Management Department for CPOE as well as the contact Person for Cooperate Quality monitoring that will monitor our success with CPOE implementation. Kris’s communication skills and her knowledge of hospital department staff make her a great choice for this role.

Kris has many years of experience as a staff nurse and clinician. She has exceptional patience and empathy for patients especially in cardiac care, due to her own experiences as a patient. She is full of compassion for her patient’s and her career. She is most respected by physicians and nurses through the hospital.