This past month, Christina (a postpartum nurse) received a couplet from labor and delivery and was given report that the delivery was uncomplicated, and the recovery was unremarkable. When Christina began her assessment, she noted that despite the newborn's pink color and no overt signs of distress, she could barely count the baby's racing heart rate. She called out for an O2 monitor and was able to confirm that with the use of the monitor and her simultaneous auscultation the HR was 261. She immediately called for the pediatrician on the unit and was able to expedite a timely transfer to the NICU. Once the NICU team received the newborn, atrial flutter was diagnosed, and cardioversion was completed. During this time, Christina stayed with the family and comforted them as they were understandably very worried about the health of their baby.

It is notable that the midwife rounded on the family a couple of days later, and this is what she learned: "The family said Christina went 'above and beyond,' not only excellent clinical care, but she saw the patient's distress and made an extra effort to comfort her... they said she gave the patient her own necklace to wear and this was very appreciated by the family (religious but also personal it had been Christina's father's and was very important to the nurse, it was a symbolic gesture that represented that the staff cared and was supporting her and her baby) she maintained the connection between baby and mom and between staff and family." I nominate Christina and sincerely hope this example of both excellent clinical care and compassionate nursing can be recognized.