May 2025
Kylie
Lunders
Boise State University School of Nursing
Boise
,
ID
United States
She pulled up a chair, sat at eye level, and simply listened. She held the patient’s hand and gave her space to express her fears without rushing or interrupting.
During our clinical rotation, one of our pediatric patients became visibly distressed after being diagnosed and going to undergo surgery. While the rest of us were busy with our nurses, Kylie Lunders immediately noticed the patient's emotional state and gently stepped in when the parents stepped out into the hall to talk to the Surgeon. She pulled up a chair, sat at eye level, and simply listened. She held the patient’s hand and gave her space to express her fears without rushing or interrupting. Her calm presence and kind words helped transform a moment of fear into one of peace. But what stood out even more was what happened after. Recognizing how overwhelmed and anxious the young girl was about her upcoming surgery; Kylie took the initiative to collaborate with the assigned nurse to create a more comforting and supportive environment. She suggested offering distraction techniques, like therapeutic play and child life support, and stayed by the patient’s side to explain each step in an age-appropriate, reassuring way. Her thoughtful actions didn’t just ease the patient’s fears—they showed a level of leadership and compassion well beyond her role as a student nurse.