From Volunteer to Leader: Kristin Jarangue Reflects on Journey at St. Francis Hospital

In many ways Kristin Jarangue, RN, has grown up at St. Francis Hospital–from volunteering in the nursing administration department while awaiting her nursing license, to taking on her current role as clinical services manager. While she has grown professionally over the last decade at St. Francis Hospital, it’s the sense of community that has made the hospital her true second home.

“St. Francis welcomed me with open arms at a pivotal moment in my life,” Jarangue reflects. “It truly feels like I grew up here.”

Not long after joining the team, she recruited her sister (now a supervisor) and her husband (a physical therapist) to join the St. Francis Hospital team. She's even inspired several former schoolmates from the Philippines to pursue careers at the hospital. It wasn’t just the reputation that attracted her to the hospital, she was looking for a place that shared her same personal values.

Kristin immigrated from the Philippines and was eager to become a nurse in the United States. “I jokingly called myself the ‘observer and paper collector,’” she laughs. “I would do rounds in all the nursing units and see how it was to be a nurse in the United States.”

She became a charge nurse and then moved into care management after eight years on the floor. Encouraged by her team, she successfully applied for her current management role, where she now oversees 70 dedicated individuals.

Kristin is known for her supportive leadership style. “I'm often told I spoil my staff,” she admits with a smile. “But my focus is on keeping them engaged and providing support in any way I can–from helping find a car, to assisting with apartment searches.”

There’s one story that still sticks with Kristin from her time as a bedside nurse. She was caring for a comfort care patient who’d been dealing with significant pain. With no family at her bedside, Kristin offered to contact them, but the patient declined, not wanting them to grieve early.

“I stayed with the patient until she passed away. I fulfilled the role of family in her final moments,” she said.

Kristin’s dedication stems from a deep-rooted commitment to health care, instilled during her upbringing in a family of medical professionals. She completed nursing school in the Philippines and then went on to teach as an assistant professor. She still keeps in touch with the university, and helps coordinate ring pinning and graduation ceremonies. Annually, she and her sister support a charity event for underprivileged children in their home community.

“Growing up in a developing country and witnessing poverty first-hand instilled in me a responsibility to share my blessings,” Jarangue explains. “My experiences have shaped my perspective and fueled my commitment to compassionate care.”

Kristin is pleased to be in her role and looks forward to many more years supporting her team and patients in Federal Way.