Kristal saved R's life. We arrived at the ER with 105.7 fever, confusion, unsteady gait and an open wound with drainage, and slight redness beginning to his left leg. We were triaged based on a fever of 101 upon arrival to the nurse's room.
We were placed in a remote back room of the ED while his symptoms continued to get worse. R was finally able to be seen by Kristal who, within 5 minutes of being with us, knew what was truly happening. She listened to what had been going on immediately before arrival and what had transpired since being put in a room. She immediately followed up on all tests and procedures and kept all care continuously moving upon realizing that R was going into septic shock. Even before she did the initial, in room vitals, she instinctively knew, that not only was he septic, but was also going into shock. She immediately started IVs and fluids and was completely calm while calling for assistance with EKG and other support staff. Kristal was efficient, swift, caring and her quick thinking and actions saved my husband from complete septic shock, which has a high mortality rate. She was an amazing patient advocate by actually listening to me and my concerns when my husband wasn't adequately mentally able to do so. I truly have no words to describe how Kristal changed our lives. My husband would not be here today without her.
The next day, she even visited us to check on everyone. Kristal went above and beyond simple patient care. She constantly answered questions and told me everything she was doing and why. She is an absolutely amazing nurse, caregiver, and patient advocate. She also gives amazing hugs after everyone is safe. NKCH is so incredibly lucky to have a nurse like Kristal. I know she has touched many lives.