CRNA at Pennsy

Is it odd that i should have to write about something that should come as a natural element to preceptorship?  Advocacy is so important to teaching, that i cannot overemphasize it.  All can be forgiven if one feels in some way protected by those who teach.  Now i'm not talking about the type of advocacy that gets rolled over by people who would like to get away with things and think that an easy going attitude will absolve them of responsibility.  I speak of the advocacy i was given by Jen Brody.  Mind you, it was utterly unexpected, and likewise more appreciated than one can imagine.  The first time i worked with her, she had just started at Pennsy after a short stint at Cooper.  Despite having trained at Pennsy, she still needed some refreshing on where equipment was kept and who to call, policies, etc, but was an amazing preceptor.  Very few providers are willing to touch the isofluourane, but with Jen, i finally started to feel as though it was a skill worth mastering and i feel more comfortable.  Learning how to taper the gas down, to time wake up just right was a challenge i sought, and actually started getting.  I found that there was less emergence delirium, and less nausea, so for me that was a great reason to try it with any case that would last an hour or so.  I still struggle to convince providers of its merits, but am content to learn their ways while i am still a student.
The other day, her fortitude as a teacher and mentor was tested by some intimidating circumstances.  She stood strong against adversity that she knew was being irrational, and came out on the other end defending me....me-the frequent underdog in almost every situation lately.  For that, i am grateful.  I am also grateful that she is a woman who will look you in the eye and tell you what she thinks of your behaviours, care of patients and methods to improve.  She challenges you to think differently.  And she forgives the stupid stuff--especially when you engage her like an adult, as i wish everyone would.
So there is a big thank you.  
Jen Brody (nee Counsman) i thank you for being a student advocate in difficult circumstances and being one of the better mentors i have had.