A code was called to the room of a young 13 year old patient undergoing induction for a stem cell transplant. It was the patient's mom. Her son was getting treatment to prepare him for upcoming transplant when he developed rigors and tachycardia. Mom became dizzy and blacked out, was lying down sweating with a low heart rate and blood pressure. After she woke she was mostly concerned for her child. The code team assessed mom and suggested the ED due to her blood pressure. Charles McKenzie RN was the nurse providing care for her son. Charles not only focused on this child's current reaction to the infusion but helped to handle the delicate task of calming a very worried dad on the phone, and a very scared, sick mom. He did it so graciously it made my heart warm. We finally convinced mom to go to the ED. This I have no doubt occurred because of Charles. As mom was debating leaving to seek treatment herself, or stay with her child, Charles said "I will not leave this room until you or your husband comes back. I will stay all day if I have to until one of you is here." After transporting the mom down to the ED and getting her safely into the ED team's hands, she said this:

"We had Charles as a nurse last night. He is golden. I know I don't' have to worry my child is safe." Words and not just clinical skills can truly "save" lives.