... I overheard some co-workers talking about a situation that Kristen was involved in with a patient and family several days before Christmas and felt that her actions demonstrated the extraordinary and compassionate care that made a difference in this patients/family life.

Several days before Christmas Day Kristen received a patient to her room. During her assessment and treatment it was discovered that she and her family were being evicted from their home which was a factor in causing her to be very upset, crying and anxious. The mother of a 7 year old girl, a 3 year old boy and a set of 11 month old twins was upset about their housing situation but also Christmas was several days away and had no means to provide gifts from Santa for her young children.

Kristen talked with the Charge Nurse and explained this mother's situation. The Florida Emergency Physician group collected children gifts at the Emergency Department Christmas Party to be given out on Christmas Day. Kristen was given access to the gifts so she could provide each child with a Christmas gift. The kids were so excited and the mother beyond happy and crying. Kristen's actions this day made a huge difference in this family's life.