Kristen was my dad’s nurse for only a brief stay, but during that time she showed compassion, encouragement, and competence. She made sure pills were given with meals when necessary and always was cheerful about coming back. She dialed the number for us from the phone to order dad’s meal and make sure we had our meals. She was very cheerful, yet emphatic. Answered all questions and made us feel she was always there for us. She arranged for my dad to see my mom who was also in the hospital on dad’s discharge day. She wheeled him there to say goodbye to my mom as we did not know if this would be their last visit.

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She not only arranged a final visit for this patient and his wife who was also a patient on another unit here at Moses Cone, but she made it a priority. When Kristen learned this patient, who was awaiting a surgical consult had a wife in another department that was being worked up for Hospice care and transfer to a Hospice home, she made time in her busy day to safely arrange this visit for the married couple. When Kristen shared this experience with me, I would describe her as “overflowing with Joy” to make this happen for the patient. She described in detail the thoughtful touches she made and the reactions the patients and daughters had as this visit was made a reality.

On the day of discharge, the patient’s wife went to Hospice, Kristen arranged another visit and was full of the same joy to be able to connect this couple. In follow-up with the patient and his daughter they shared a photo with me of the couple together that “they would treasure forever”. They could not share enough about Kristen and how she was right there with them. Their story is one of many examples I have found to be true of Kristen and the impact she makes on others. Kristen is a true DAISY Nurse.