The Neuroscience ICU admitted a fourteen year old patient who was going to have brain surgery the next day. Pediatric patients in the NICU are very new to our usual adult patient population. The NICU staff was informed a few days before our pediatric admission and Kristi volunteered to be the admitting nurse.
Kristi prepared the patient's room by supplying her with coloring books and colored pencils. She also made a beautiful fleece blanket for the patient. The blanket was placed on the bed, ready for the patient to arrive. When the patient and her family walked into the room, they were instantly greeted by Kristi. Kristi's smile and calm demeanor helped to reassure the patient that she was going to get the best care ever. In preparing for her patient, Kristi wore "Finding Nemo" scrubs too.
Kristi embraced the opportunity to care for a young patient who was afraid and intimidated of being in the ICU. Her smile alone provides the kindness that our patients are expecting during a difficult time in their lives.