Karyn exceeds extraordinary care with not only her patients, but also the patients of her co-workers. She is always willing to lend a helping hand regardless of the kind of assignment she may have that day. She takes pride in her profession and it is evident by the smile she brings to work each day.
***
Karyn is the most professional nurse I have seen in a long time. The compassion she has for all of her patients is very real. Watching her with her patients gives me a good feeling inside, knowing that she is a part of our Westerly Hospital staff. She is self-confident and extremely motivated. A very hard worker from what I can see. I have watched with provide a high quality care under difficult conditions at times. She provides the same quality of care regardless of the diversity of each patient. She seems to have an inner strength that is mainly about helping others.
***
She is always willing to stop what she is doing and lend a hand. She is a strong wonderful compassionate nurse who should be recognized by her hard work on the unit.
***
So far I have been here for 3 weeks. I was on the 3rd floor and she took wonderful care of me. Then I was moved to the second floor. She asked if she could be switched to keep me as her patient. She is kind, devoted, patient and understanding. Every day I look forward to her smile. I believe having the same nurse to provide continuous care has helped me with my illness. Also, whenever she drains my pleurex port she invites someone else and uses it as a teaching moment. Also, my peritoneal drain has been leaking, she in her wisdom and ingenuity came up with the idea of hooking a colostomy bag to the drain! She monitors me and keeps the team abreast of any changes or needs. She has made my stay here exceptionally easier in my day to day struggle.
***
"My personality can be portrayed in what I do." Karyn graduated from Three Rivers Community College in 2013. She started her nursing career at Apple Mystic Rehab and continued on with her education as well. Karyn completed her BSN one year ago. To know Karyn is to know she is a go getter, she sees a call light and she's got it before you. She witnesses a nurse before they ask. Karyn joined our team in January 2015. When asked during her job interview what are your strengths- Karyn replied- "my caring ways, I make it a point to sit with my patients. A nurse should have care and compassion, patience and advocacy because patients are so vulnerable."
She is not just a staff nurse on our floor; she has also become a charge nurse and preceptor. Karyn was a member of our call light responsiveness committee that helped put better processes in place to answer call lights for our patients promptly. She also happens to be a member of the DAISY committee but for obvious reasons was not active in the recent selection.
What you may not know about Karyn? She was a massage therapist prior to nursing and her mom asked her to take care of an elderly woman who only had a few months to live. Karyn was bikini shopping with her new 90 year old friend and became the family this woman didn't have. She lived four more years and Karyn knew nursing was not an option- this was a passion. "Even if we just make a small difference, it's such a gratification- holding a hand, putting a smile on someone's face." She was also recognized by a patient's family in an obituary last year for her caring ways.
When I asked Karyn recently, why do you like working here? She didn't take but a second to say the answer is the same as it was when I was hired. I feel like I am part of a team, everyone works together to provide the best outcome, that has never changed."
Karyn thank you for coming in with a smile, thank you for providing each and every patient with a smile, thank you for bringing a smile to the team- Our med/surg patients are blessed to have you and we are honored to work with you.