Denise Estrada-Palma, BSN, RN, CCRN

Denise (Deni) is a phenomenal nurse. We initially called a rapid response on a patient due to him having altered mental status. Seeing that the patient seemed off, she asked the rapid MD if she could order a lactate and blood cultures to rule out sepsis, as well as send the patient for a CT to rule out post op hemorrhage. At the time, the rapid MD did not see fit to put orders in and cleared the rapid. Afterward, she returned to the unit because she didn't feel right about leaving without labs. So she spoke with the urology resident on call and got the order for a lactate and cultures. Although both came back unremarkable, she continued to check in on the patient throughout the night and even left us with her number in case we needed her. Hours later, we called a rapid again for the patient's worsening AMS. Similar to last time, the rapid was cleared by the MD, but Deni was not taking that for an answer. She remained on the unit with the patient and nursing staff to discuss next steps with the urology resident. Instead of leaving at the end of her shift, she stayed. Eventually, after advocating to the maximum, the patient was sent for a CT and up-triaged to the surgical ICU. The CT showed the patient was experiencing a massive internal bleed that required surgery. As a relatively new-to-practice nurse, I look up to nurses like her. Her willingness to advocate tirelessly, her critical thinking skills, and her ability to stay calm and communicate her thoughts and assessments clearly and effectively are what saved this patient. She is definitely the nurse to have in your corner during any kind of code, and I appreciate her dedication to the patients, staff, and the job. If anyone deserves the DAISY Award, it is her!