Cris Vandenberg
June 2014
Cris
Vandenberg
,
RN, CCRN
Cardiology
Penrose-St. Francis Health Services
Colorado Springs
,
CO
United States

 

 

 

Cris has been with Penrose Hospital for many years. She currently is a procedure nurse for cardiology but on top of that she abstracts for the action registry and is involved with many committees and community outreach. I have seen Cris go above and beyond her job requirements many times. She has paid her own way to conferences and educational seminars which all have made her a better employee for Penrose.

When transport comes to drop off a patient even if it is a 90 year old man on a stretcher she will welcome him with "hello young man, I am Cris." Patients instantly perk up and smile and laugh with her. She is so attentive and always is looking for those important educational moments which we all know that in the hospital are hard to do, but she finds them. She is as it is called a "seasoned nurse" but her energy and wisdom is truly inspiring, and she encourages young nurses to strive for excellence.

She stands her ground, but it is always for the good of the patients. She is first and foremost a patient advocate, but also a mentor, educator, team player, cheerleader and most importantly one of the best nurses I have ever met. Florence Nightingale would be proud. Cris is truly a gem and shining star in this organization and should be recognized for all she does and has done for Penrose-St Francis Hospital.