Faced with the COVID pandemic, my heart froze with fear. I was the primary caregiver and the only surviving child of a spectacular 90-year old fragile British mother. I felt the pull between being that nurse who always comes in be it snow, 9/11, or one who needed to shelter in place. At the helm of our department was this kind, thoughtful nurse manager, Kristine (Hawver) Mehrtens who guided me in this process. Kristi, as she is known to us, was instrumental in helping me through the uncertain process of wanting to continue working and be a caregiver for my elderly and vulnerable mother during the height of the pandemic. A plan was formulated to allow me to continue to work from home so I could continue to care for my mother. Although she was busy with her own family, as she had just brought a new beautiful baby into our world of fear, Kristi was so present and available it amazed me.
With great sadness, my mother died, in our home, on her terms and I was there at her bedside. To me, COVID gave me the time for this gift. Again, Kristi reached out and ensured I had what I needed to grieve and heal in a very challenging time. I have been a nurse since 1984..... before the internet (shock, gasp!). I have had many nurse managers in over 30 years of nursing and Kristi is one of the most reliable, dedicated, and thoughtful managers I have ever experienced. She has steered our department balancing the needs of the patients, staff, and institution with seamless grace. Her support has touched all of us who have had the privilege of working with her. She embodies the values of The DAISY Award. She leads by example, is compassionate, and most importantly listens. I am so grateful I am under her wing. I try to embody her leadership values when I communicate with patients and families. I listen with an open heart to the families thinking of our leader as my role model.