I met this student during her pediatric clinical rotation. It was a unique situation as this student was not normally to be placed in a clinical with me as she was a faster tract MSN PL program but due to an accommodation for pregnancy, she had stacked her schedule which included 3 clinical experiences from 3 nursing clinical courses at once, so she could not have clinical for a few weeks following the birth of her child. She also was not getting the theory content for this clinical until the second 8 weeks. I had some concerns about this at the beginning as that is such a heavy load, and she would have to work hard to prepare for the course and connect experience to theory. This student not only successfully completed the clinical, but she did it with excellence and compassion. We spent time together primarily at Almost Home Kids, where we cared for children with complex medical needs. Caring for these children can be a bit intimidating, with their complexities including trachs, vents, and g tubes. She never hesitated to have an experience with some of the more complex children and cared for them with such patience and gentleness and spoke to them in a way that was kind and age-appropriate. She was always willing to help out with other children and displayed interest in learning all she could from the nurses and staff at Almost Home Kids. Karly also applied to do an observation clinical in PICU and Methodist Child LIfe Specialist observation experience. Recently, I received a compliment about the nursing students who had shadowed the Child Life Specialist. I am pasting the compliment here as Karly was specifically mentioned:

"I just wanted to reach out to you and compliment the group of nursing students who have been shadowing me this past month – this is easily one the most engaged clinical groups I think I’ve ever had shadow us. They come prepared and ask good questions and overall just seem eager to learn. Special shout out to Karly Umland for helping us sort through our costume delivery at 38 weeks pregnant; I’m so impressed!"

I don't often receive messages like this so that was a positive on the entire group, yet she specifically named Karly, which was not shocking. I envision Karly using her time to help out any way she can. She has a desire to want to serve others and puts their needs and cares at the forefront of all of her actions. The last experience we had together was at Mom's Morning Out, an event that we partner with Southside Community Center where we make breakfast, serve mothers and children, talk a bit about health promotion and learn about community. In one of the conversations that ensued at the table I was sitting at during breakfast, one of the ladies was sharing about the fears and distrust some people in their community have regarding health care. Karly was also at this table, and I noticed she was intently listening and very respectful when asking further questions. I could see a lightbulb moment turn on as she connected what was shared to a recent experience she had in OB that people didn't seem to understand or generalize that the mother was "noncompliant."

Her reflective writing was always excellent, which demonstrated the ability to think critically and develop concepts and skills that are much needed in nursing. Here is a sample of a piece of her reflection from this event, demonstrating this:

"By simply talking to these women, asking them questions, and listening to their stories I was able to collect new knowledge and information regarding how their healthcare experience could be improved. Finally, the attitude I am able to have
since this clinical experience is “Value the need for continuous improvement in clinical practice of pediatric patients and families based on new knowledge” (Methodist College of Nursing, n.d.). The new knowledge I gained this week about these patients showed me that there is a great need for improvement in care for this population as well as a need for better relationships among the healthcare team with their patients. Overall, I am so thankful to have been able to make and have breakfast with these women and my classmates. It was such a wonderful experience."

Karly helped contribute with some other students bringing several items for us to cook for breakfast. She also brought some cheese snacks from her family's business to share with everyone when they left, which was such a nice treat. After the event, a volunteer who works at Southside Community Center told me that Karly stood out above the rest with her interest and desire to take what was shared and make it better. In her words "You could really see the wheels turning in that one....she's going to do good things!" To her statement, I completely agree!