Cory Smeltzer, RN, BSN, a Clinical Staff Leader, helped start and writes on the Kudos Wall set up by nurses in the PACU holding area on the 3rd floor of the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. Photo by Donn Jones
“Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.”
Those words, spoken by Mother Teresa, couldn’t ring any truer now.
In the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU), two nurses, Laura Durchsprung, CRNA, and Cory Smeltzer, RN, BSN, took that idea to a new level with the Kudos Wall. The word kudos is of Greek in origin means “praise or renown.”
This is a stressful time, full of unknowns, but having a way to honor our co-workers helps us to refocus our attention and remember why we became nurses in the first place.
With creative support from Child Life specialists Marissa Kirkendall and Emily Brock, Durchsprung and Smeltzer invited anyone who works in perioperative and procedural services for Children’s Hospital to write a note of thanks and appreciation to others with hopes to brighten someone’s day, encourage others and help people stay positive.
“I knew there was a definite opportunity to boost the morale on the 3rd floor as COVID-19 started to consume all of our practices. We decided that the opportunity to ‘throw kindness like confetti’ would be an enjoyable way for staff to interact with and encourage one another through the stresses of this season in the health care system,” Smeltzer said.
“How nice it is to feel seen through such a challenging time, not only in our hospital but in the world. It has been inspiring to see the uplifting comments between staff members and from some of our patients. We are truly thankful for the opportunity to weather this storm with such kind co-workers and friends!”
Each day, the Kudos Wall is a little more full as people “throw kindness like confetti.” Messages include: “You are appreciated, you are prayed over, and you are a hero. Thank you for what you are doing.” They also remind people to “…just pause and remind yourself of the blessings in life.”
“The purpose of creating the encouragement wall was to bring a little cheer to the entire perioperative area. This is a stressful time, full of unknowns, but having a way to honor our co-workers helps us to refocus our attention and remember why we became nurses in the first place. It has truly been a joy to watch people write notes of thankfulness and encouragement to each other. It is a great reminder that we have an unbelievably strong team and that together is better,” Durchsprung said.
Smeltzer added, “The comment that stands out to me is, ‘We are so much more than co-workers, WE are FAMILY.’ This quote truly exemplifies the Children’s Hospital Periop team not only today as we face unprecedented times, but also every day. Our culture is one of caring for, supporting and encouraging each other – just like a family.”
