Cancer care is extremely complex and requires a meticulous and prudent nurse.  However, Caroline’s clinical practice is extraordinary and COVID-19 has made her light shine brighter!  Caroline was consistently the voice of many who were conflicted about the COVID vaccine.  She consistently would remind others to be respectful of one’s decision.  Also, she ensured we upheld DUHS’ policy of not asking each team member about vaccination status.  Additionally, no matter the task, Caroline is up for it and will always do things the right way the first time.  She does not cut corners and always puts the patient first.  She is very accountable and reliable to fulfill the tasks at hand every clinic day and follows up with issues in a timely manner.  Caroline is a great advocate for her patients.  She is very willing to make sure that they are well taken care of by ensuring that she provides safe patient care.  Caroline is very thorough with medication administration, utilizes policies and is a great resource for her colleagues.

One of the pillars of “The Leadership Challenge” by Kouzes and Posner is to “Model the Way.”  Caroline epitomizes this practice.  From her ALWAYS, and yes ALWAYS, cheerful disposition, to adept clinical skills, Caroline is excellent in everything she does.  Caroline always goes the extra mile!  She will frequently stay later if needed to ensure patients get their injections, have blood drawn, etc.  She will also draw blood for patients when needed for extra diagnostics.  She follows up on records needed for new patients.  Excellent critical thinking and clinical skills.  Caroline frequently calls patients and provides clinical guidance within scope, but knows when to escalate to provider when needed.  Caroline has gone above and beyond for her patients, ensuring that her patients are well connected to resources such as social work and nonprofit organizations.  Caroline is currently preparing her portfolio for submission to the next Clinical Ladder advancement opportunity.

Caroline has been involved in different pilot projects during her tenure on Clinic 2-2.  Leadership values her input, which has helped to improve clinic flow and patient care.  She has been extremely integral in the multidisciplinary pilot project that occurred in clinic.  In this pilot, Caroline participated in Interdisciplinary Rounds and was the Primary Nurse for all new breast patients.  This continuity resulted in enhanced patient and provider satisfaction, which was primarily due to Caroline’s nursing innovation.

This nominee is always willing to collaborate with other members of the team. She has taken on the role of Primary Preceptor for one of the disease groups in clinic.  In this role she has been solely responsible for orienting the majority of the new RN staff who have joined the team.  This is such an important job that impacts retention and work satisfaction.  It is also a tireless job, as she often oriented new hires back-to-back.  As Primary Preceptor, she has made herself available to attend orientation check-ins, which are a vital part of the orientation process that help us ensure our new team members are acclimating to their role and the organization.  The nominee has a warm, welcoming and friendly attitude that helps introduce our new team members to the organization.  Even when her clinic is busy, she takes the time to explain all the intricacies of primary nursing to her orientee.  I can always count on Caroline to provide an amazing introduction to Duke Nursing, the outpatient setting and the disease-based team.

According to the American Nurses Association, nursing integrates the art and science of caring; Caroline exudes NURSING.  She has an amazing bedside manner.  Commonly when performing skin punch biopsies, she will make sure patients are calm and distracted during the procedure.  She is very aware of her presence and the positive impact she makes.  Caroline genuinely cares about the outcomes of her patients.  Caroline will collaborate with her providers to communicate and check on her patients, brings up issues in huddles and meetings, and participates in research.

Caroline is an unsung consistent hero in a clinic comprised of all of the best qualities of nursing and is the best nurse many have worked with here at Duke University Hospital.