Lakin is a leader! She obviously exhibits the required qualities necessary to earn this distinction: professional competence, empathy and compassion, and excellent communication skills. I would trust her with my life - in fact, I did! She identified that the narcotic pain meds were not in my best interest due to my interrupted breathing and stepped me down to Tylenol soon after my arrival to her care. She listened attentively to my story and quickly established trust. Lakin touched my heart and made my stay at Wenatchee Valley Hospital so much better because of her interaction with me.