On what seemed like a routine day in the ASU, Kristen was assigned to help prepare a patient for a major ENT procedure. What unfolded, however, was a powerful example of Kristen's extraordinary compassion and dedication—not just to her patient, but to his loved ones as well.

The patient and his wife arrived at the hospital under the impression they were attending a simple appointment. His wife believed they’d receive reassuring news and be on their way home together. As Kristen and her colleague explained the surgical plan, it became clear to the couple that the patient would need to be admitted for several days.

Kristen noticed that his wife appeared forgetful and confused. She had been escorted to the pre-op area in a wheelchair. As Kristen continued to care for the patient, she was already thinking one step ahead—about Barbara’s safety and well-being once the patient went to surgery.

After the patient was taken to the operating room, Kristen sat down with her to gently discuss how she would be getting home. She explained that she usually only drove short distances and her husband typically handled the driving. Kristen offered to arrange an Uber for her, but she didn’t want to leave her car behind. When asked if there were family or friends nearby who could help, she quietly said there were none.

Kristen asked if she knew how to get home, and she replied that she could use the "home" button on her GPS and that they didn't live far from the hospital. Kristen explained that the procedure would take several hours, followed by recovery, and she wouldn’t be able to see her husband again until much later that night. She kindly asked how she felt about driving after dark. The wife admitted that she had difficulty with night driving and agreed it would be best to head home while it was still light out.

However, there was one more hurdle—she didn’t know where the car was parked. Her husband had dropped her off at the entrance before parking. Kristen quickly arranged for a security officer to drive her through the parking garage to locate the car. She wheeled her to the lobby and waited with her. Just as the officer arrived, she said she needed the restroom. Kristen helped her to the restroom, called security again, and stayed by her side until she was safely on her way.

Before she left, Kristen gave her direct phone number, letting her know she could call at any time. She also contacted the charge nurse for the inpatient unit to ensure that she would be updated once her husband was settled into his room.

Later that shift, Kristen went a step further—she called the wife at home, just to make sure she arrived safely.  was incredibly grateful. She expressed heartfelt thanks for Kristen’s kindness, patience, and support. It was clear that the patient, too, had gone into surgery with greater peace of mind, knowing that someone was looking out for his wife.

Kristen’s actions went far beyond the duties of her role. Her awareness, empathy, and willingness to help someone in need made a lasting difference that day—for both the patient and his wife. She exemplifies what it means to care not just for a person’s medical needs, but for their human experience.