Monett Jenkins
May 2021
Monett
Jenkins
,
BSN, RN
Pediatric Intensive Care
Children's Mercy Kansas City
Kansas City
,
MO
United States
Monett would shampoo and braid her hair, hoping that for a little girl, she could feel as beautiful as the princesses she sees in movies.
"... And it's like the sky is new, and it's warm and real and bright, and the world has somehow shifted..." (from Disney's Tangled) sung to a particular patient battling to survive, by an exceptional nurse named Monett. It was then that I witnessed a glimpse of what this profession has called us to fulfill - a purpose in offering compassion and hope in times when faith appears vacant. Monett was a primary nurse for a patient who encountered the unrelenting realities of this world. When I witnessed at the change of shift that this child wouldn't let go of Monett's hand, shaking her head “no” to her leaving, all I could consider was how meaningful of a connection Monett created. On this patient's worst days, Monett would shampoo and braid her hair, hoping that for a little girl, she could feel as beautiful as the princesses she sees in movies.
For a grieving family, she offers grace without judgment. And when it came time for this child to pass, she renders her arms for embrace and solace. To this little girl, Monett was her hero in nursing scrubs and a stethoscope. When I think of Children's Mercy and reflect on what being a nurse means, I think of nurses like Monett. Nurses who emerge offering their courage and spirit to kindle even the dreariest of days. Nurses who voice advocacy in every interaction and remind us of our "why". Thank you, Monett, for showing us that people really are good at heart. I hope you know that you are appreciated immensely.
For a grieving family, she offers grace without judgment. And when it came time for this child to pass, she renders her arms for embrace and solace. To this little girl, Monett was her hero in nursing scrubs and a stethoscope. When I think of Children's Mercy and reflect on what being a nurse means, I think of nurses like Monett. Nurses who emerge offering their courage and spirit to kindle even the dreariest of days. Nurses who voice advocacy in every interaction and remind us of our "why". Thank you, Monett, for showing us that people really are good at heart. I hope you know that you are appreciated immensely.