Krystal Bridges
February 2021
Krystal
Bridges
,
RN
Inpatient Psychiatric Unit for ASD and Intellectual Disabilities
UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital
Pittsburgh
,
PA
Krystal is the perfect example of competence in a Nurse, always knowing what to do, portraying excellent decision making, and leading in a way that makes everyone want to follow.
Since Krystal is one of our night shift nurses, I truly do not think she gets the recognition she deserves. She is someone you want next to you during a condition, during a behavioral crisis, or just next to you during a hard day to help cheer you up and get you through the shift. I have been through many conditions with Krystal where I count on her to help me, the patient, and the other staff, to make sure everything runs smoothly and safely. There is no one person I feel like I could rely on during those times more than her.
Krystal is the perfect example of competence in a Nurse, always knowing what to do, portraying excellent decision making, and leading in a way that makes everyone want to follow. Other than her vast medical knowledge, Krystal is also one of our main night shift preceptors and I truly do not think there is a better one on our unit. She prepares our new nurses for everything they might see; she is very assertive but in the best way. She will make sure they know if they aren't doing something correctly but in a way that makes them still feel comfortable and able to approach her. Whenever I check in with the new nurses and ask them if anyone has been extra helpful during their orientation, she is the first person they mention. She always extends this support way past their time on orientation, making any nurse feel comfortable to ask her for help when they need it.
We are used to working with patients on the Autism spectrum or who have developmental disabilities. However, we recently took in a general adult wing to accommodate the neediest population during COVID. It has been an adjustment that our staff is handling so well, but I truly don't think anyone adjusted as quickly, skillfully, and has provided such amazing care as Krystal has to these patients. She is able to develop such a great rapport with them immediately on admission due to her friendly, caring nature and this allows her to be essential when these patients have a crisis.
I know that I need to give an example so everyone will understand why she is a DAISY Nurse, however, I can think of about 100 stories that would convince this audience, one in particular stands out. There was a crisis that resulted in multiple patients becoming aggressive at once. Krystal was in charge and immediately took control of the situation. She directed staff on what to do, making sure there were enough people tending to each agitated patient in order to keep staff and other patients safe. Even though this was an extremely hectic situation, she was able to keep everyone calm, delegate as needed, and make decisions which resulted in no injuries for any staff or patients.
It is truly a pleasure to be able to work with her and know that literally, any situation could occur, and she is the person I would want standing next to me.
Krystal is the perfect example of competence in a Nurse, always knowing what to do, portraying excellent decision making, and leading in a way that makes everyone want to follow. Other than her vast medical knowledge, Krystal is also one of our main night shift preceptors and I truly do not think there is a better one on our unit. She prepares our new nurses for everything they might see; she is very assertive but in the best way. She will make sure they know if they aren't doing something correctly but in a way that makes them still feel comfortable and able to approach her. Whenever I check in with the new nurses and ask them if anyone has been extra helpful during their orientation, she is the first person they mention. She always extends this support way past their time on orientation, making any nurse feel comfortable to ask her for help when they need it.
We are used to working with patients on the Autism spectrum or who have developmental disabilities. However, we recently took in a general adult wing to accommodate the neediest population during COVID. It has been an adjustment that our staff is handling so well, but I truly don't think anyone adjusted as quickly, skillfully, and has provided such amazing care as Krystal has to these patients. She is able to develop such a great rapport with them immediately on admission due to her friendly, caring nature and this allows her to be essential when these patients have a crisis.
I know that I need to give an example so everyone will understand why she is a DAISY Nurse, however, I can think of about 100 stories that would convince this audience, one in particular stands out. There was a crisis that resulted in multiple patients becoming aggressive at once. Krystal was in charge and immediately took control of the situation. She directed staff on what to do, making sure there were enough people tending to each agitated patient in order to keep staff and other patients safe. Even though this was an extremely hectic situation, she was able to keep everyone calm, delegate as needed, and make decisions which resulted in no injuries for any staff or patients.
It is truly a pleasure to be able to work with her and know that literally, any situation could occur, and she is the person I would want standing next to me.