Crystal shows a natural inclination for compassion for her patients. She takes time to sit down with them and their families to not only discuss their medical needs and goals for progression but also to learn about them as people. This is a skill that cannot be taught. Crystal can multitask and leave time to provide undivided attention to her patients. So many patients just want to be heard. This small notion of asking where they grew up, asking about their life, and what they enjoy most are all examples of gaining trust by making patients feel human in a world that has made us feel so divided. Crystal is compassionate, and talented and demonstrates what nursing needs to be. She is always positive and looking for ways to improve care and the culture of nursing. She will be a huge building block in the foundation that will re-stabilize nursing practice.
Throughout his time in the graduate program, Brian has consistently sought ways to improve both the patient experience as well as patient outcomes. He is committed to his patients and to finding the best approaches to improving their quality of life. Brian's capstone project, which is ongoing at the VA, seeks to integrate systems of care to improve staff morale along with continuity of care for spinal cord injury patients. The purpose of the project is to better integrate inpatient, outpatient, telehealth, and home health to improve the patient and family experience, improve patient outcomes and facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration. Thus, improving staff morale based on patient satisfaction and the knowledge they are providing optimum quality care. Applying the theories of restorative justice and human becoming and directly paralleling them to actual experiences of his patients living with spinal cord injury, he has been able to advocate for transformative changes in the healthcare system in alignment with applied theory and improve patient health outcomes.
Colleen has special attention to detail that cannot be taught. She looks at the small details and the root of the problem to make sure that her patient population is given the care most appropriate for them at that moment. Even behind her mask, the children and families could see the smile Colleen had when she interacted with them, and her work supported her love for the nursing profession behind the scenes too. While prepping charts, organizing pre-op handouts, or completing chart reviews, Colleen took her time, and rest assured she left no stone unturned in her tasks. She has a good grasp of the needs of pediatric patients and their families while at the same time caring for the critically ill in the ICU. She can reflect on her tasks and asks great questions to help her in her patient care.
Sophie exhibits commitment and compassionate care to patients and their families through mindfulness in her actions and words. Watching her interact with patients you can see how the one-on-one therapeutic communication she uses, has a positive effect on their overall experience. That builds a foundation of trust with the community and hospital care that will continue in future generations here in New Mexico. Sophie has a reputation for advocacy throughout her academic career. She recently worked to start blood pressure clinics for both the Geriatric Education and Health Maintenance as well as the Breakthrough to Nursing program. Always taking the time to make sure everyone feels valued, heard, and respected, Sophie leads by example. Communities are impacted daily by Sophie Sagert in many positive ways. Although they may not know her name, they do know someone is looking out and speaking up for them.
Director of Alumni Relations
Marlena Bermel, MBA
College of Nursing
1650 University Blvd, Office 3603
1 University of New Mexico