Kristin Talley, RN, CCRN

As emergency department healthcare workers, we see and deal with things daily that would be traumatizing for most of the population. Typically this is "just another day" in the ER, but occasionally we deal with things that really stick with us, and unfortunately, sometimes those situations involve pediatric patients.

In the early morning hours on a day in October, we had a case of child neglect resulting in injury. I had the privilege of being co-charge nurse with Kristin that shift. Immediately upon the patient's arrival to the ED, Kristin became the child's biggest advocate and source of comfort. She sat with the patient for several hours, comforted through two procedures, calmed her nerves by watching Frozen (and having a sing-along!), and even stayed over past her shift to wait with the patient until CPS arrived. You could immediately tell that the patient felt safe with her, and due to Kristin's actions and big heart, a very traumatic situation was slightly less scary for that 6-year-old little girl.

It is an honor to work alongside Kristin every day. She goes above and beyond for our patients and our staff, and we are lucky to have her as a leader in our department.