Krysten Guardiola

During clinical this past Spring semester, we were on a unit that had Pediatric patients. As part of the safety measures for this population, an alarm sensor is placed on the pediatric patient that signals alerts when the child is too close to an exit or an elevator. This is a very loud alarm that will inactivate the elevators and alert staff. We were caring for the patients on the Med Surg part of the unit.

During our shift, a young pediatric patient was walking in the halls with his parents. They kept walking too close to the elevators and exits which in turn set the alarms off frequently. The family was not English speaking and they were not understanding why the alarms kept going off. I could see that they were becoming upset at not understanding.

During our shift, I noticed that the patient was continually interacting with my student Krysten Guardiola. It was the sweetest interaction between the 2 of them. As the shift progressed, the interactions continued and Krysten made sure that she not only provided care for her Med Surg patients but also took time to interact with the little pediatric patient and his family. She could also sense that the family was not understanding why the alarms kept sounding. They were just trying to keep their young one as happy as can be when in the hospital.

Krysten approached me and asked if it would be appropriate for her to speak with the family as she spoke their native language. She wanted to follow protocol but could see that the lack of understanding was affecting the family and patient. I told her to check with the Pediatric nurse and collaborate with her but she had my permission.

Krysten spoke with the Pediatric nurse and with her ok, she set out to speak with the family. There were a few things that stood out to me in this moment that really reflected the spirit of the DAISY student award. Even though the nurses and staff had been utilizing the language phone services to communicate with this family, seeing the eyes light up on this father’s face when he realized that someone there could communicate with him in person was a moment that I will remember. I could visibly see him physically relax when he and Krysten were communicating.

Krysten continued to assist with communication until the patient was discharged from the Pediatric unit. But perhaps what I will remember the most is the little one and Krysten. It was almost as if they instinctively were drawn to Krysten. Her willingness to offer her help had a positive impact on this family. She had a full clinical assignment of patients but chose to reach out to this little one and the family which in turn helped the nurse who was providing care for them.

The family understood why the alarms were sounding and avoided those areas until they were later discharged. Krysten did not have to do this but chose to do this. She went above and beyond on this day and made a positive impact on this patient and family.