There aren't enough superlatives to describe what an outstanding nurse Kristin is. She made a huge difference in a traumatic situation. I was in tremendous pain, the doctors didn't know the cause, and I was frightened and concerned. I had been in the Emergency Room three times in the previous 6 days with intolerable abdominal pain and intractable vomiting and each time I was sent home with meds but no diagnosis, only to return 1-2 days later. On my third visit I was admitted to the hospital, and I lucked out getting Kristin as my nurse. Kristin was certainly compassionate and caring, but her most important characteristic to me was her ability to explain what was happening in a calm, straight forward, easy to understand manner. It was very reassuring at a time when I greatly needed that. I appreciated her respecting my intelligence and dignity in doing so. For example, having recently been to the Emergency Room three times - the last time on a gurney in the hallway in severe pain for 8 long hours - I was anxious about once again being sent home with no diagnosis or cure. The ins/outs from the ER visits had taken a toll, including falling and hitting my head due to being on Valium, and I was eager to end this trauma. Kristin was invaluable in this. She helped me to frame my concern in a sensible, effective manner. She recommended advocating to stay inpatient until my condition was resolved and stabilized and until I was able to keep food down. She talked in terms of being safe at home without IB pain and nausea meds, IV hydration and nursing care. It made perfect sense and speeded my recovery. Kristin is without a doubt an exceptional nurse and an asset to Swedish Hospital.