May 2019
Allison
Whittington
,
RN
Emergency Room
George Washington University Hospital
Washington
,
DC
United States

 

 

 

I am a new graduate nurse in the ED and Allison has consistently mentored me through the trials and tribulations of my first year. During one of my first weeks as a brand new nurse, I lost my first patient. The emotions hit me so much more deeply than I expected and Allison found me in the break room crying. She took the time out of her day to give me a hug, help me process what I had seen, and reassure me that we had given the patient the best possible chance of survival. She always makes time to mentor new nurses and never ceases to amaze me and inspire me to be a better nurse. Her compassion for nursing, empathy for her patients and dedication to her coworkers are amazing.
I was trying to decide which story to tell about why Allison is an amazing nurse and decided to tell both. About a week ago, Allison had her first day off in weeks. She went climbing on her off day and saw someone who was in significant distress after a fall. On her off day, Allison took the time to personally take the fallen climber to our ED to be treated. This perfectly sums up Allison. She always goes the extra mile and makes such a difference in the lives of her coworkers and her patients. Allison has made such a difference in my life and has forever shaped my nursing career.