Kristen Chase
April 2026
Kristen
Chase
,
RN, BSN, CPHON
HemOnc
Childrens Hospital Los Angeles
Los Angeles
,
CA
United States
Even in the midst of that overwhelming scene, Kristen understood what this young patient needed: someone in his corner.
In a moment of complete chaos, three security guards, the head of security, the Chaplain, a social worker, physicians, nurse practitioners, and medical assistants all rushed in, attempting to calm one scared, grieving, and out-of-control 17-year-old patient. But ultimately, it took just one nurse to truly reach him—Kristen.
Kristen didn’t see an aggressive young man. She saw a terrified child with cancer who had just received devastating news. She recognized the fear behind his anger, the pain behind his actions, and the desperate need for someone to truly see him. She embodied hope in the way our mission promises—offering it even when the moment felt hopeless.
During this particular patient’s clinical visit, the primary team had the unfortunate duty of discussing the patient's recent relapse and prognosis. Because of this patient's history of aggression, security was already on standby, but the situation quickly spiraled. The patient retreated to the restroom, screaming, crying, and throwing objects. At the very same moment, his mother collapsed in the hallway, triggering a code blue. The entire unit was thrown into crisis.
Even in the midst of that overwhelming scene, Kristen understood what this young patient needed: someone in his corner. Someone who would stay near him, listen to him, and help him feel safe again. After helping stabilize the mother, Kristen entered the bathroom—with security close by—and approached him with her signature calm, gentle presence.
We often call Kristen the “AYA whisperer,” and in that moment, she lived up to the name. She connected with him at his level, soothed his panic, and even managed to bring out a smile. He trusted her so completely that he allowed her to walk him through the hospital to be by his mother’s side in the ED. And perhaps the greatest testament to her impact—he returned the very next week, ready to talk to his team about treatment.
Sometimes nursing extends far beyond clinical skill. Sometimes it means seeing the scared child in the center of the storm and standing with them until the storm passes. Kristen did exactly that, with her extraordinary compassion, courage, and connection.
Kristen didn’t see an aggressive young man. She saw a terrified child with cancer who had just received devastating news. She recognized the fear behind his anger, the pain behind his actions, and the desperate need for someone to truly see him. She embodied hope in the way our mission promises—offering it even when the moment felt hopeless.
During this particular patient’s clinical visit, the primary team had the unfortunate duty of discussing the patient's recent relapse and prognosis. Because of this patient's history of aggression, security was already on standby, but the situation quickly spiraled. The patient retreated to the restroom, screaming, crying, and throwing objects. At the very same moment, his mother collapsed in the hallway, triggering a code blue. The entire unit was thrown into crisis.
Even in the midst of that overwhelming scene, Kristen understood what this young patient needed: someone in his corner. Someone who would stay near him, listen to him, and help him feel safe again. After helping stabilize the mother, Kristen entered the bathroom—with security close by—and approached him with her signature calm, gentle presence.
We often call Kristen the “AYA whisperer,” and in that moment, she lived up to the name. She connected with him at his level, soothed his panic, and even managed to bring out a smile. He trusted her so completely that he allowed her to walk him through the hospital to be by his mother’s side in the ED. And perhaps the greatest testament to her impact—he returned the very next week, ready to talk to his team about treatment.
Sometimes nursing extends far beyond clinical skill. Sometimes it means seeing the scared child in the center of the storm and standing with them until the storm passes. Kristen did exactly that, with her extraordinary compassion, courage, and connection.