David Vergel, RN

David was caring for a patient who had just come out of the ICU the day before. She was sick and even reluctant to come to the hospital in the first place. She felt judged and suffered from post-traumatic stress and anxiety based upon her past healthcare experiences.  
 
That morning, the patient was initially excited about her improvements, but shortly after breakfast she became panicked and feverish with rigors and spasms of coughing. Her heart rate was 130, and her lactate was rising again, even though her blood pressure was favorable. She couldn't catch her breath and was afraid she might die. 
 
David was calm, cool, and collected with the patient and her husband. How many times have I heard him say to a patient, "We got you." I wasn't surprised at all when I heard him say it to her that morning. For David, it's not a line. It's not smoke and bluster. He means it from his head to his heart to his toes. It's just who he is. It's built into his bones. 
 
I debated sending the patient back to the ICU. But David and I worked out a plan of care together.  "I got this," he said. And I knew he did. Our patient got better because of his actions; how many patients has he personally carried through a crisis? I don't know. I've lost track. 

 I do want to recognize him. David saved the day once again. This was a tough, unstable, evolving high acuity decompensating septic liver patient in possible withdrawal that he stabilized and handled ably and kept from returning to ICU. He's a great nurse. I'm glad he was on duty. I couldn't do this work without him. 

He keeps getting better and keeps stepping up; he can work with my patients any day. I trust him implicitly; God forbid I ever become a patient on 4 Silver in my old age, he'd be a nurse I'd ask for.