Christopher
Zengel
October 2025
Christopher
Zengel
,
BSN, RN
Dell Children's Medical Center North Campus
Austin
,
TX
United States

 

 

 

Christopher serves as a true role model and mentor to other nurses, leading by example in every interaction.
Christopher displays empathy and compassion in ways that foster deep connections and create a safe, supportive environment for both patients and staff. As a mentor and preceptor, he recognizes that each nurse comes with different experiences and learning styles, and he takes the time to meet them where they are. He is patient and understanding, ensuring that every nurse feels heard, valued, and supported in their professional growth.

He goes above and beyond in practical, meaningful ways, such as allowing nurses to practice IV starts on him, or sitting down with staff to carefully walk through the math behind antibiotic mixing until they feel confident. These acts of kindness demonstrate not only his clinical expertise but also his willingness to make himself vulnerable for the sake of building others up.

Christopher's approach creates an environment where new nurses feel safe to ask questions, make mistakes, and learn without judgment. His genuine care for people builds trust and respect, empowering staff to grow in their skills while also strengthening the team as a whole. Through his compassion and individualized support, he inspires confidence, nurtures professional development, and sets the standard for what it means to be both a skilled nurse and a trusted mentor.

Christopher demonstrates excellent communication skills that build trust, clarity, and confidence among both new and experienced nurses. He actively listens to the concerns and questions of staff, ensuring that each person feels acknowledged and respected. Rather than providing generic answers, he tailors his responses to the individual's level of understanding, which allows staff to feel supported and not overwhelmed.

Christopher serves as a true role model and mentor to other nurses, leading by example in every interaction. He demonstrates professionalism, clinical expertise, and compassion, setting a standard for others to follow. Whether he is assisting at the bedside, supporting a colleague through a challenging situation, or guiding new staff through unfamiliar skills, he models the values of patience, integrity, and excellence in nursing practice.

As a mentor, Christopher nurtures the growth of others by encouraging curiosity, fostering confidence, and creating a safe space for learning. He provides opportunities for hands-on practice, takes the time to explain the "why" behind nursing processes, and celebrates the progress of those he precepts. In doing so, he not only builds clinical competence but also instills self-assurance in his mentees.

Christopher shows remarkable adaptability in meeting the needs of individual learners. He recognizes that every nurse brings a different background, level of experience, and preferred learning style, and he adjusts his teaching approach to ensure that each person can succeed. For some, this means breaking down complex concepts like medication calculations step by step; for others, it may involve providing hands-on practice opportunities or walking through a skill multiple times until the nurse feels confident.

He demonstrates patience and flexibility, never making staff feel rushed or inadequate. Instead, he creates an environment where questions are welcomed, and mistakes are seen as opportunities for growth. His willingness to adapt is further shown in the way he allows nurses to practice skills on him, such as IV insertions, modeling vulnerability and trust while also supporting real-time learning.

By tailoring his mentorship to each individual, Christopher not only enhances the skill development of his colleagues but also builds their confidence and fosters long-term professional growth. His adaptability ensures that every nurse feels supported, valued, and capable of providing excellent patient care.

He extends this same collaborative spirit to families, actively engaging them in the plan of care and ensuring that their voices are heard. By modeling respectful and transparent communication, he teaches new nurses how to build trust with families, which ultimately leads to better patient outcomes. His approachable style encourages learners to ask questions, families to feel reassured, and staff to work together toward shared goals.

Chris is always ready with laughter and humor for those around him. He is ready to nurture and support the patient and any nurse he is precepting.