Kristi Barrett is the embodiment of what every nurse hopes for in a leader—someone who leads with compassion, consistency, and a deep understanding of what bedside nurses face every day. As House Supervisor, Kristi rises to the ongoing challenge of managing hospital bed flow with skill, grace, and an unwavering commitment to supporting her team.

Kristi is more than just a leader—she is a reliable partner in care. No matter the time or circumstance, she can be called upon and is always willing to help. Whether it's passing medications, cleaning up a soiled patient, drawing blood, or offering a moment of levity during a stressful shift, she never hesitates to step in. Her ability to respond in less than a minute—both physically and emotionally—is a gift to the entire team. She leads by example, showing that no task is beneath her, and her hands-on support empowers us to keep going even on the most difficult days.

Her positive energy is infectious. Kristi is often described as a ray of sunshine, and her great sense of humor is a breath of fresh air when we feel like we're drowning in the chaos of patient care. You could say she is Jolly. She brings light to dark moments and calm to crisis situations, always uplifting staff morale without minimizing the challenges we face.

Kristi is also an advocate—not just for patients, but for nurses. She often steps in to help smooth over nurse-physician relationships, acting as a calm mediator and helping ensure that communication stays respectful and productive. She makes it a point to manage patient flow in a way that does not overwhelm the nursing staff, balancing operational demands with the well-being of her team. That kind of thoughtful leadership has a ripple effect on the entire hospital, improving care and strengthening collaboration across departments.

 Her presence elevates everyone around her. She is exactly the kind of leader this award was made to honor.