A few select instances playing out over the course of just over a week demonstrated the amazing character and skill Angelique brings to the SICU and Denver Health as a whole.
Night #1, her patient came from the OR; despite significant efforts, the patient could not stabilize and precipitated to the OR at the bedside. Angelique remained calm and professional in managing her team and her patient as chaos exploded all around her. Defining her at this moment were the many interactions with family members who, in shock and devastation, came 2x2 into the patient's room after the efforts to resuscitate their loved-one had ultimately failed.
As the family and friends all left to their respective abodes, Angelique stayed next to her patient as his body succumbed to his injuries so that he would not pass alone in the room. This act of kindness and professionalism displayed will be an example to me for the rest of my career.
On Night#2 a similar problem occurred and Angelique picked up right where she left off commanding her room, leading to a much more positive outcome. The effects from the previous night seemed to hold no sway over how she approached this patient as she continued to function at the highest level. She was instrumental in the care and success of this patient. To me, working with Angelique over the course of these few days cemented the type of nurse that she is and what a tremendous value she brings to Denver Health, her peers in the SICU, and particularly the patients and their families served here.