Nan McConnaughey

Nan McConnaughey was called out after midnight to assist on a ruptured abdominal aneurysm. This is a case that may be performed only once a year due to the advances in earlier detection and routine screening. Most on-call staff have never experienced this type of case as an emergency. Nan worked in the wee hours and then had to face an open heart case starting at 0800. The heart surgeon insisted that Nan start the case as the case was going to be very difficult. The concern was raised about the level of fatigue, but Nan reassured the team that she could competently and safely start the case and help with the difficult period. The case had a very uneventful start and Nan was relieved to go home. Nan never once made a statement to the effect that she was tired. We could trust that she would speak up if she felt she was unsafe or fatigue impaired in any way. Nan knew that Dr. D felt secure having her there. New team members are gaining experience, but do not have the skill set or the knowledge for the extremely difficult situations. Nan shared her knowledge, continued to teach and supported the new members. The surgeons from other disciplines have the utmost respect for Nan as well. Nan has successfully renewed her RNFA status and continues to be one of our main resources for education and experience sharing. Nan has been one of the major factors in the heart program’s success.