Britt consistently exemplifies leadership by acting as a preceptor and role model for new grads and student nurses. Today she went beyond all required care, even though I noticed she had a very heavy patient load, to really embody the spirit of compassion and caring. Her patient came to the floor very upset. He had been in the ED for hours, at one point on a gurney in the hallway. He was mad that his medication list was incorrect and felt disrespected by being in the hallway for others to see. Britt took the time to listen and let him get all his frustrations out. She also communicated to him that we want to give the very best care, without denigrating the ED staff. She listened empathetically and he gradually calmed down. The nursing students observed her leadership and caring, and saw the teamwork she demonstrated by collaborating with the doctor and pharmacist to correct his med list. They also saw her teamwork of talking up the ED staff, but not in a way that invalidated his thoughts and feelings. This shows a partnership too.
She first took care of his needs for privacy by taking him back to the room to discuss all of this, since he was sitting at the nurse's station in a wheelchair. The whole time she displayed an open demeanor and the idea that she was on his side. He completely calmed down and expressed his gratitude for her care.
The students saw a patient-centered approach that demonstrated how her respectful attitude made the patient feel validated and cared for.
I have also observed that patients feel safe in her care because she keeps current in acute care nursing research. She often explains the patients' disease process to nursing students in a way they can understand. She is currently studying for a certification exam as well. She is a wonderful nurse and I always request that my students be with her!