Carly demonstrated the utmost of PRIDE values during a busy shift. Her day began by receiving report from the night nurse, during which they conducted bedside report. She was taking care of a traumatically injured young male. During her initial morning assessment, she quickly identified a difference in the patient's neuro status from that of which she obtained during the morning report. She quickly utilized the available technology in the unit, a pupillometer, which confirmed that a significant neurologic change had occurred. She promptly notified the trauma doctors and the neurosurgeons of the change. Unfortunately, the patient's status continued to decline rapidly, but Carly remained on top of all orders and interventions and truly cared for her young patient as if he was family.
With his poor prognosis, she re-initiated contact with the New Jersey Sharing Network, as required. With all of the immediate interventions required, she remained diligent with her care for her patient. She paid particular attention to the patient's father, who was the only contact person. She sat with him and explained every detail of the events that were unfolding and continued her compassionate care and support throughout her shift. One request by the patient's father was to know what his son's last words were when he arrived into the trauma bay at MMC. Carly assisted in contacting the staff that was with her patient upon his arrival and was able to provide the information regarding his last words to his grieving father. Although the patient's outcome was a tragic loss, it was extremely evident that because of Carly, the patient's father was left with comfort knowing his son was always taken care of with dignity and respect.
The entire team, as well as the Atlantic Neurosurgical Specialist, would like to nominate Carly for the DAISY Award. She is an exemplary employee, who never limits her care to just the patient, instead including family and remaining closely aware with her interdisciplinary team.