As someone who recently joined what we like to call the "labor family", I would have to say that Kristy played the greatest role in truly making me realize what a special role nurses play in the lives of our patients. Kristy is welcoming, caring, attentive, compassionate, and shares a genuine smile with each person she crosses paths with. It is safe to say, that in Labor and Delivery, things can get a little crazy at times. However, no matter what is going on around her, each person she is crossing paths with, whether it be a coworker, a patient, or that nervous family member that isn't exactly sure what is going on, she will go out of her way to make you feel as if you are all that matters at that moment in time.
I will never forget the incredible example she set one day while caring for a patient in labor accompanied by her 3 young children. During a very stressful time emotionally and physically, this patient did not have the support system others are blessed with to help her with her small kids. Kristy went above and beyond, not only for the patient but to also be the support system that they needed. Kristy provided the kids with paper, crayons, stickers, and popsicles while caring for their mom. Although this seems like a small act of kindness, it was much more. Not only did it soothe the patient's anxiety knowing she had someone's help, but she also made the kids feel comfortable as they transitioned into their new roles as older siblings. This was truly exemplary as it took family patient-centered care to another level.
After being a labor nurse for 17 years, there is one quality that Kristy has never lost sight of, the human touch in the nursing care she provides. It is nurses like Kristy who sets our profession aside from any other.
Recently, out never CEO had a town hall meeting where she spoke about how as nurses, we can provide the best care if we all came to work with our "buckets full". As she was describing what this meant, I couldn't help but think, so basically do what Kristy does each and every day! She is a mother of 3, a wife, a daughter, and a friend. However, when she walks into the doors of our hospital she is a nurse. A true patient advocate who uses innovation, collaboration, passion, and love in everything she does. She is a team member who will come into work after tucking her child into bed when her team needs her. She is a mentor who wants to share her passion and love for Labor and Delivery with those new to the nursing world. She is a member of hospital-wide committees. This is not only to better her own skills but to share her knowledge with those around her. By sharing this knowledge, she is guiding nurses to implement evidence-based practice on our unit to help others provide exemplary care.
I believe that it is important to identify colleagues when they truly go above and beyond to provide excellent nursing care. Especially when on works alongside such an Extraordinary Nurse as Kristy. This experience reminded me of our true purpose as nurses and I think it swerces as a great example of what nursing is truly about.