After Losing Her Arm, Morristown Nurse Returns To Work

MORRISTOWN, NJ - When Kristina DeJesus Barquin lost her arm in a boating accident in 2017, returning to her work as a nurse was not her immediate thought. Her immediate thought was simply survival.

"And I thought if I manage to do that I will figure out a way to find my place back in my profession," said Barquin, who recently took a position at Morristown Medical Center.

But it was that profession that allowed Barquin to help save herself during that girls' trip to Austin, Texas in October of 2017. Barquin and her party were boating on Lake Austin when she was pulled through the propellor of the boat, severing her right arm at the shoulder.

Barquin said she essentially fell into her career, and what if all of the schooling, training and certifications was for a purpose. Specifically, for the purpose of saving her own life.

"What if it was just for those several terrifying minutes of my life, that I needed those nursing skills to survive?" she said.

Indeed, Barquin was able to help direct her friends and helpful samaritans with triage instructions until she could be evacuated to a local medical center. After surgery, the Cranford resident flew home and began physical and occupational therapy at the Morristown Medical Center.

But that road to recovery was not an easy one.

"Three months after my accident, I experienced post-traumatic stress disorder. Being around a lot of people and a busy environment gave me intense anxiety," she said. "People stare a lot and there isn’t a day that goes by that I don't get asked about it, or sometimes even hear ridicule."

Things that Barquin once did without a second thought became labor intensive.

"It took major work and courage to just do simple things like wear a tank top, or get a manicure," Barquin said. "It took awhile with therapy but I was able to work through that. At both work and home, I would see all the things I use to be able to do and sometimes become frustrated with myself and my body."

Barquin said that as she first recovered she would forget that she had lost the arm. In fact, Barquin said that the sensation of the arm still being there was strong so it took time for her to adjust to the fact that it was not there.

"It took time to learn how to do something new, but over time, we found ways. It’s all trial and error," she said. "I think patience, practice and time are all key."

Barquin grew up in Union and currently lives in Cranford. She went to Union Catholic High School, Muhlenberg B. Snyder School of Nursing and Kean University.

And while she began working at Summit's Overlook Medical Center at age 19, she had felt the calling earlier, as she actually worked at a nursing home in
high school and college in the recreation department and assisting in an Alzheimer’s program. And during nursing school Barquin worked originally as a patient care technician. And from there her career progressed.

"I worked as a floor nurse with neuro patients and then later transferred to CCU. I completed my certification for critical care in my specialty and also obtained my forensic nursing license and worked per diem for the Union County Prosecutors Office," she said. "I’ve worked per diem jobs in pain management, endoscopy, plastic surgery and worked in both sub acute and long term care as well."

So it was to Overlook Medical Center that Barquin returned to, less than two years after her accident.

"Going back to work, while it was a great comfort for me, was a challenge in itself. It really pushed me to put myself and my story out there," she said. "My manager, colleagues and friends were all very supportive and I think it was a learning process for everyone. We had to develop this unspoken language of balancing both giving me help, and also creating my independence. After awhile, I got my groove back and realized it was exactly what I needed. My coworkers still respected and appreciated my knowledge and experience."

Barquin credits her support system for helping her get through the toughest days of her recovery.

"The outpouring of love and support amongst family, friends, coworkers and even strangers has been beautiful to experience," Barquin said. "Everyone has wanted to help. I have been very blessed with an amazing support system. A key part of my positive attitude is because my husband, family and friends continue to emphasize my strength and motivate me everyday."

Barquin returned to Overlook after being forced to leave due to her injury. Now, she is leaving on her own terms to join the staff at Morristown Medical Center where she began her recovery in physical therapy.

"I will be working as a nurse in the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Department as a clinical supervisor," she said. "We work with patients that have a genetically inherited cardiomyopathy. We screen, treat and educate patients and families."

Barquin said that while she had an immense love for bedside nursing and the critical care profession and her colleagues at Overlook, she had to also be realistic with her limitations.

"It’s definitely different and I will deeply miss CCU, but it’s a new chapter for me," she said. "I want to be relatable to my patients and want them to understand I was a patient too and know what it feels like to be in their shoes."

After her injury, Barquin said she has asked herself if her place in nursing was complete. After recovering, she seems to have found her answer.

"I knew that I would find a place where I find great fulfillment in my career again," she said.

You can see a short video of Barquin from CBS New York below:

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