This is about Abbie's outstanding conduct and dedication to serving the public. The patient was not at Centra as this happened outside the hospital but I think it shows Abbie's value as a Centra nurse and what she brings to her patients every shift in the ER. A few weeks after passing boards and having just started as an RN in the ER at LGH (she externed there her senior year) Abbie was at a funeral where a woman had just collapsed. It was in the middle of a cemetery and there was not even an AED in sight. People there knew Abbie was a newly minted ER nurse and approached her to help. Abbie quickly slipped into her nurse role and assessed the patient as best she could. The woman was unresponsive with a slow, weak pulse (in the 30's). Abbie made sure her airway was protected and made sure EMS had been activated. She stayed at the women's side and did what she could to support her. Right before EMS arrived the woman began to come around and her heart rate improved. The woman initially refused transport to the hospital. Knowing that something bad could happen it was Abbie who acted as an advocate and convinced the patient to go in. Abbie's professionalism and knowledge of what could happen if the underlying problem wasn't identified and treated convinced the woman to be checked out. The woman was taken to the local ER where she coded twice, was resuscitated, and had bypass surgery, surviving.

The question of course is but for Abbie what would have happened to this lady? Had it not been for Abbie's advocacy this woman may have gone home and died. Abbie is the very definition of a good Samaritan. She wasn't even out of orientation and she had already saved a life. What a tribute to her character and professionalism. How lucky Centra is to have such a terrific new nurse who cares enough to become involved and be an advocate for a patient in need. I think she is deserving of this DAISY Award. She is a hero and a nurse we can all be proud of.