Kristen is an outstanding nurse for the MACC Fund Center inpatient unit and we are so fortunate to have her on our team. She exemplifies what a great nurse should be: kind, compassionate, positive, energetic, hardworking and a supportive coworker and mentor for new nurses. Not only is she passionate about her patients, but she is also passionate about caring for the family as well. Kristen is an incredibly supportive coworker who always offers to lend a hand or jump in to help whenever a situation arises. She is someone you can always rely on and is a great teacher and role model. She has consistently cared for some of our most medically challenging patients and does so with poise and competence. Because of that, Kristen is constantly using critical thinking skills to work through those patient situations.
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Kristen was the day shift nurse caring for one of our patients who was end-of-life. I came in to work to find that the patient was nearing the end, with the room filled with loved ones. I remember being in awe of Kristen as she calmly comforted family members, tended to the patient's medical needs and also caught me up to speed on the day's events and what was working to keep the patient comfortable. She was able to juggle all of these tasks and do so in such a compassionate, professional manner. The patient took their last breath shortly into my shift and Kristen remained at the bedside to help the grieving family, me and our beloved patient. After comforting the family, she helped me with the necessary tasks and documentation to ease the already difficult process. I was beside myself, but she hugged me and helped calm me down in order to do what had to be done. Staying well past her shift to support others and me, Kristen made the heartbreaking evening a little bit easier. She always puts others first and puts the best interest of our patients and families at heart. Before this situation, I had often wondered why Kristen would frequently get assigned to care for the end-of-life patients. Now I understand without question. Some nurses would be terrified of the unknown - how to care for these kids when they need it most, the emotions that come with these devastating situations, etc. - but Kristen handles it all with grace.
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Kristen is a preceptor and relief charge nurse on the unit. She consistently inspires nurses to be at their best with her positive attitude and skill. She is invested in precepting and strives to ensure that her orientees experience all that the unit has to offer. Kristen works closely with the provider colleagues and is always advocating for her patients. Our providers respect what she has to say and take her words into consideration. They truly trust her as their eyes at the bedside. Kristen has also become involved with the Nursing Professional Development Council, and, as a result, has blossomed as a Children's employee. She is learning more about organizational accountability and takes on more projects to spread awareness to the service line. It is ironic that she takes on the role as "DAISY nomination cheerleader" for staff when she is so clearly well-deserving of the award herself.
Kristen is respectful, compassionate, and an absolute joy to have on the team. She exhibits professionalism in all that she does. She truly exemplifies the Children's values. Kristen is wonderful with our patients because nursing is not just a job for her - these characteristics are at the heart of who she is. She gives her all at this job and treats everyone with the love and care they deserve. Kristen is the nurse you want taking care of you, and is the coworker you strive to be. We are proud to work with her and there is no one more deserving of recognition for exemplary care!