Working through staffing strain, high turnover, and heavy workload across multiple portfolios as Kristen does can be very demoralizing. As the Interprofessional Education Specialist for Multi-Organ Transplant & Medical Specialties (6AB), Dialysis, and multiple Ambulatory Clinics, Kristen sees the many challenges and barriers in her path, but always demonstrates a stoic can-do mentality. Our team, including local leadership and the frontline staff, as well as our patients, are stronger for her tireless commitment to ensuring that staff develops both clinically and personally within our environment despite various challenges. Because Kristen is never far from frontline practice, she has an in-depth understanding of the challenges that staff face daily, particularly in the context of workforce shortages, highly acute patients, and complex needs.

Though the demand on her time is spread thin, her commitment to excellence in practice and education, has made us all feel that she is equally present for all the needs across the many areas of her portfolio. She has implemented several high-priority strategies alongside the facilitation of multiple large orientations, including the new physiological monitors, the roll-out of IV Line Labelling, ENFit, the application of several updated clinical supplies, as well as CLABSI bundle training within the Dialysis & Apheresis team.

She demonstrates a commitment to policies, evidence-based best practices, and adapting to clinical environments to ensure safe and high-quality application across her portfolio. Recognizing the need to diversify levels and intensities of coaching and mentorship at different levels of learning, Kristen advocated for the development of the COSN role on 6AB. She partnered with other members of leadership to develop a comprehensive plan for how a COSN could provide much-needed presence and guidance for newly independent nurses as well as new preceptors. She created a seamless transition plan for new hire staff to graduate from preceptorship to independent consolidation, complete with coaching tips, mentorship strategies and schedules that aligned not only with learner needs but the practical staffing needs of the unit as well.

Kristen’s sensitivity to learners’ needs, the strengths of her teams, and the ongoing business of the unit to prioritize care for its patients, made the development of this COSN model incredibly thorough. It has been a very effective strategy in maintaining the proficiency of our team and its positive morale. We are incredibly fortunate to have Kristen’s dedication, patience, and strength of character as part of our team. Thank you, Kristen, for the heart and commitment you put into this team and our patients.