My Magnificent 'Mom' at the Cancer Center

"It’s a well-known fact that when there’s a tricky intravenous draw or port, 'Mom' is the first one to call if we fall short."

From left: Marcus Yoakam, B.S.N., RN, ONS and Kristen Mitchell, A.D.N.,

Photo provided by Marcus Yoakam, B.S.N., RN, ONS

I would like to nominate my co-worker, Kristen Mitchell, A.D.N., for the Extraordinary Healer Award for Oncology Nursing.

Kristen, or “Mom,” as I affectionately call her, is the epitome of what every oncology nurse should strive to be. I have met and interacted with a countless number of nurses, but Kristen stands a head above the rest (despite being 5 feet, 3 inches tall). Kristen is always there to help when we are slammed and actively goes out of her way to help everyone.

In addition to being incredibly helpful, her clinical skills are second to none. It’s a well-known fact that when there’s a tricky intravenous draw or port, “Mom” is the first one to call if we fall short. It is a great comfort to know that we have such a reliable and competent colleague in Kristen.

And although she is an exceptional nurse, Kristen’s most admirable trait, without a doubt, is her compassion. Kristen cares more than just about anyone I have ever met. She could be monitoring three patients on chemotherapy and drawing labs while answering the phone and still find time to give a patient a hug or an extra blanket.

Kristen is the type of positive tour de force that any cancer center would be lucky to have. She radiates kindness and exudes thoughtfulness. She is always the first to ask how patients are feeling before treatment and the last person the patient talks to before they leave. Her involvement in a patient’s treatment is a godsend to many of our patients who don’t have much support; she becomes like family to them.

Kristen is also an ardent patient advocate. If a patient ever feels any sort of uncertainty and is afraid to talk to the doctor, Kristen takes charge and makes sure the doctor is aware of the patient’s concerns. She is always putting the patient’s desires first and has a deep respect for their autonomy.

It is my firm belief that working as an oncology nurse is a privilege. In this profession, we are lucky enough to walk alongside people during, arguably, the most difficult time in their lives. I can say without hesitation that there is no nurse other than Kristen that I would want walking by me if I were a patient.

It is difficult to put into words the positive impact she has on everyone around her, but you can see the patient’s eyes light up when they see her. You can see their smiles. You can see that they feel at ease. This is the “Kristen effect” and it is why I would like to nominate her for this award. Every cancer center in the U.S. should be so lucky to have a Kristen on their team. All considered, please accept my nomination of Kristen for the Extraordinary Healer Award for Oncology Nursing.

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