Emily
Leak
April 2023
Emily
Leak
Indiana University Kokomo
Kokomo
,
IN
United States
Because Emily broke the silence, crucial conversations were offered to staff and nurses. And what Emily doesn't realize is her voice positively impacted her classmates and their experience in the OR.
Emily like many students sadly found herself in a less than ideal situation when she was placed in a somewhat hostile environment. Emily was observing Pediatric patients in the OR during her clinical. Sadly, some of the staff and nurses in the OR were less than kind to her during this rotation. She witnessed staff/nurses talking about inappropriate subjects during patient procedures in the OR along with incivility.
At first, Emily was hesitant to share her experience. She shared that these behaviors can be the norm at times for nursing students and felt it was best to not say anything. However, with some encouragement, Emily graciously and bravely sat down with the OR director and shared her concerns. I was so proud of her as she shared about the situation. She was professional, kept her composure, didn't place blame...but very objectively described the situation. Among the awful situations she experienced, Emily shared some of the positives she was able to experience through the situation.
I am recognizing Emily as she broke the silence about the incivility that was going on in the OR. She advocated for herself and for future guests, students, and staff who might find themselves in the OR. I also believe her voice will have an impact on patient safety and outcomes because a positive working environment where nurses and staff are working collaboratively positively impacts the patient and their safety of care.
Because Emily broke the silence, crucial conversations were offered to staff and nurses. And what Emily doesn't realize is her voice positively impacted her classmates and their experience in the OR. Several students who have observed the OR since this situation have shared the positive and rewarding experience they've had in the OR.
Emily is an officer of the Student Nurse Association, having served as Vice President previously and now President. She has worked tirelessly to restart the SNA, including running a fundraiser and recently the SNA's first-ever blood drive on campus. Her energy and enthusiasm, along with her fellow SNA officers, helped produce a very successful first blood drive that has led to additional drives. She does all this, while continuing to be an outstanding nursing student.
At first, Emily was hesitant to share her experience. She shared that these behaviors can be the norm at times for nursing students and felt it was best to not say anything. However, with some encouragement, Emily graciously and bravely sat down with the OR director and shared her concerns. I was so proud of her as she shared about the situation. She was professional, kept her composure, didn't place blame...but very objectively described the situation. Among the awful situations she experienced, Emily shared some of the positives she was able to experience through the situation.
I am recognizing Emily as she broke the silence about the incivility that was going on in the OR. She advocated for herself and for future guests, students, and staff who might find themselves in the OR. I also believe her voice will have an impact on patient safety and outcomes because a positive working environment where nurses and staff are working collaboratively positively impacts the patient and their safety of care.
Because Emily broke the silence, crucial conversations were offered to staff and nurses. And what Emily doesn't realize is her voice positively impacted her classmates and their experience in the OR. Several students who have observed the OR since this situation have shared the positive and rewarding experience they've had in the OR.
Emily is an officer of the Student Nurse Association, having served as Vice President previously and now President. She has worked tirelessly to restart the SNA, including running a fundraiser and recently the SNA's first-ever blood drive on campus. Her energy and enthusiasm, along with her fellow SNA officers, helped produce a very successful first blood drive that has led to additional drives. She does all this, while continuing to be an outstanding nursing student.