Ashley was one of four nurses on this particular night and it was her turn to receive the next admission. The patient came in and was a 34 weeks pregnant patient who had one previous C-section. Ashley evaluated her and checked her cervix and noted her to be closed. Ashley reported this information to the hospitalist, but still had hesitations about sending her home. The patient remained uncomfortable and Ashley continued to ask the patient about her pain at the incision site. Ashley's quick assessment and evaluation and request to have the OB come to the bedside picked up on this patient's uterine rupture as we stood at her bedside. Her baby's heart rate went from 120's down to the 50's and she was immediately rushed back to have an emergency C-section.
Ashley held it together and was supportive of the patient and directing in the room with other staff in the middle of this crisis. The baby was indeed outside of the uterus, but the placenta had not detached, and the Ph. was 7.1. Ashley's quick thinking saved this mother and baby. Her kindness to that family and patient did not end there. She continued over the next day or two to care for the patient and went out to Target and purchased nursing bras, ice pads, and preemie clothes knowing that this premature baby was not expected quite yet.
Ashley consistently demonstrates compassion to her patients by delivering quality health care and I'm proud to call her a co-worker and friend.