Working in the ICU, especially starting the shift with a critically unstable patient can be extremely tough and stressful for a nurse. However, a skillful and compassionate charge nurse can make all the difference.
One day quite recently, I began my 7:30 am shift with a very labile, post-cardiac arrest patient. When I was receiving the report from the night nurse and looking at the high doses of multiple drips, and the PAs and doctor inserting lines and performing bedside procedures, I was overwhelmed. However, as soon as Cali, the charge nurse for the day, came into the patient's room, I told her "Cali, I am so glad that you are in charge today. I am okay now." Throughout the shift, I did not need to ask or look for our charge nurse's help. Cali spent a lot of time in the patient's room assisting the PAs and the doctor, and outside the room updating the patient's family. She even covered my other patient and my breaks. With the efforts and time from Cali, the PAs and the doctor, the family members eventually were able to understand the patient's poor prognosis and decided to make the patient DNR/DNI in the late afternoon.
Even though I had an extremely busy day, at the end of the shift I was so proud of the excellent care we provided to our patients and their families; I was deeply impressed by Cali's leadership as a charge nurse, and the compassionate care she delivered that day. She went beyond her duty as a charge nurse. Cali is such an exemplary charge nurse.
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Cali, you made the difference. I want to let you know you are the best, and an excellent charge nurse! You are always there for us when it is busy. Thank you!