As a new graduate nurse, it's both an exciting but also a nerve-racking feeling to have your first shift as a registered nurse, because not only are you worried if your day will go well, you worry if you'll get along with your preceptor. I still remember the moment Kristen said "hi!" to me with such a big smile on her face, it was such a great feeling to feel welcomed and I felt at ease to start the day. I remembered thanking God in that moment because her approach made me feel like I was actually a part of the team. From then on, I was able to witness how she reflected the core values of Loma Linda.
It's hard to narrow it all down to one specific situation but I saw Kristen's compassion for one of our patients and his mother when we couldn't figure out why his heart rate kept rising. The mom was really worried so Kristen asked the mom if she would like to hold him. The mom was so glad that she could bond with her baby. The mom was happy and she was taking pictures and video calling family. The mom brought to my attention that her son felt warm so I took his temperature twice axillary, but it was fine. The mom asked if I could take a rectal temperature but I didn't feel the need to. Kristen said let's just take a rectal temperature to address mom's concerns and that parents know their children more than us. Sure enough, when I took the rectal temperature the patient had a fever. Mom was right and Kristin said she didn't want to dismiss mom's suggestions/input in providing care for her child. I could see the relationship and trust mom had in Kristen. Even in tough situations, Kristen's presence simply made the mom calmer. Kristen took the time when the mom was present since she was very particular, but Kristen was patient and allowed mom to vent, in a way this gave mom comfort and peace. I knew Kristen was an excellent nurse when she advocated for the patient and the mom.
One day, the RT changed her son's trach ties without anyone else's help. The RT declined my help and the mom's help when we were both in the room. When Kristen found out about this and mom's frustrations she immediately informed the charge nurse and our manager. She also spoke to the RT respectfully regarding the issue. It was great to observe and learn what a great nurse would do to promise safe care that's reliable and above standards not only to meet patient/family satisfaction but also to achieve our goals towards healing.
Being a pediatric nurse requires care to be centered not only towards the patient but also towards the family. Kristen's love and care for her patients were never limited to just her patients, it was visible towards the parents, our team, the physicians and everyone else she interacted with. I hope and pray that one day I can be at least a small percentage of the nurse she is. It's such an honor to be learning from a person who reflects our values in an amazingly and effortlessly way; giving and expecting nothing in return. "Outstanding preceptor" does not even begin to describe Kristen. So blessed to have grown in my career as a nurse with her. Thank you, Kristen!!