vKINSLEY continued from page 11 good to see previous patients and their families out in the community doing well. The pediatric nurses at Avera work together, Kinsley credits their teamwork and flexibility. With only six nurses in the unit, there’s one nurse per shift. This is possible with their average census of three patients, but because the number of patients admitted can change instantly, the nurses need to always be ready if called in to assist. She recalls working the holidays when her kids were little. During Christmas, she would ask the parent of a patient if her child could bring their child a present. She explained how this could help her child focus outside of their selves and instead of focusing on the fact that their mom was working; it gave them the chance to brighten someone’s holiday. Having patience, empathy and being non-judgmental are just some of Kinsley’s top qualities. She listens to the families, helping them through a difficult time and tries to make it a more positive experience for them. She provides reassurance for the parents of the young patients. She has experience not only herself as a mom but with her tenure of seeing other children during their stay at the hospital. As I listen to her, I think about how these are all characteristics that I would seek out in a nurse caring for my child. Aside from her children, she is most proud her department at Avera. “I’m proud to be a peds (pediatric) nurse. I’m really proud of what we have here in our pediatric unit.” She continued, “Taking care of children is a lot different than taking care of an adult. It’s a specialty. And having the rapport that we do with the peds doctors.” She is also proud of being with Avera for 25 years and enjoys Yankton. “It’s been a really good place to raise kids here.” She feels that being a pediatric nurse has made her a better mom because she’s become more familiar with illness and she isn’t intimidated by illness. With fantastic nurses like Kinsley taking care of our children, it’s reassuring as a parent to know that our child’s health and safety during illness is a top priority to those providing care. Kinsley serves as a prime example that that top-notch care doesn’t stop when the sun sets and the world rests, that’s when her work for the day is just beginning. vBy Julie Eickhoff hervoice.com HERVOICEvMARCH/APRIL 2017v17