September 2020
Amanda
Morris
,
RN
Emergency Department
Mary Washington Hospital
Amanda took it upon herself to research the cardiac abnormality and was able to explain to other members of the team what it was and why it caused oxygenation issues with the patient.
We provide care for many patients in a shift, but every now and then there is a patient who presents with something we have never dealt with before. On this night, Amanda had an adult female patient with a congenital cardiac abnormality who was experiencing severe bleeding. Amanda took it upon herself to research the cardiac abnormality and was able to explain to other members of the team what it was and why it caused oxygenation issues with the patient. She performed a very thorough assessment, so when the patient became critical and was no longer able to answer questions on her own, Amanda was able to provide a thorough history with clinically significant details. She also was proactive in making sure the patient's spouse was informed as soon as possible about his wife's change in status and made sure that when appropriate he was able to come in the room and be with her. I have no doubt that her spouse is grateful for her compassion for his wife and himself. Amanda chose to empower herself with the knowledge she obtained from the patient and that she researched about her patient, which allowed her to provide exceptional care during a very high-stress time. Amanda's compassion and drive are evident; she is a phenomenal example of a nurse for Mary Washington Emergency Department.