While working as a Nurse Practitioner in the ICU responsible for Neurological injuries, we received a “Code Stroke” to the CICU. The ICU Charge Nurse and I responded, but upon our arrival (< 5 minutes), we were told that the patient was already in CT for evaluation. We quickly moved to CT. Upon our arrival we found that Nurse Saenz had noticed that the patient (an elderly female who had recently undergone a heart Cath and stent placement 2 days prior) had been moving the patient from her bed to the toilet when she noticed a Left-sided facial droop. She quickly assessed her patient and became concerned that the patient was having a stroke (CVA) when further assessment revealed slurred speech and L-sided weakness, Nurse Saenz activated the Code Stroke and very rapidly (she was gone to CT by the time the Stoke Team arrived) moved the patient to CT. Physicians from Neurology also responded to CT and it was determined that the patient was having an acute ischemic CVA. While walking to the Neuro ICU, the physician continued his assessment and very quickly determined that the patient was a candidate for the clot-buster TNKase, and we called our pharmacist so that it would be ready upon our arrival at the ICU. Once in the ICU, the patient was administered TNKase, and it was also determined by imaging that the patient should undergo an acute thrombectomy. Neurosurgery responded and the patient was taken for thrombectomy, removing a pencil-eraser-sized clot from one of the major blood vessels in her brain. Upon arrival back to the ICU, the patient’s neurological status was back to baseline, and the patient continued to recover, with a COMPLETE recovery of her stroke symptoms. While conducting follow-up on the incident, there were several things that led me to nominate Diana for the DAISY Award.  

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Diana is a brand-new RN and has been off orientation for approximately 2 weeks. Her very good assessment and quick actions led to a complete recovery of this patient who was likely to suffer a life-changing (and possibly life-ending CVA).  

The timeline of the events is amazing – this patient was assessed, imaging done, TNKase given, thrombectomy completed, and return to baseline in less than 75 minutes. This timeline would be impressive for a tenured Nurse, let alone a brand-new one. 

All the team involved in this incident, including the Neurosurgeon, praised her for her quick actions and great decision-making. The Neurosurgeon stated plainly, “…this is EXACTLY how this is supposed to work! This nurse behaved admirably and saved this lady from a devastating injury.”  

In most circumstances, new Nurses spend a lot of their time correcting mistakes and enduring criticism for their actions and decision-making. This new RN, with the ink on her license likely still wet, followed her instinct, relied on her training, and saved this patient from a potentially devasting stroke. So rarely do new Nurses display this quality of care early in their careers, and Diana should be commended.  

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Mom had a stroke and Diana’s response to the situation and getting her into CT within minutes led to her having no lasting effects from a massive stroke.  

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My grandmother had a stroke while Diana was taking her to the bathroom. She recognized the symptoms immediately and responded quickly and efficiently. She gave the TPA that has attributed greatly to my grandmother’s recovery. Without her quick action my grandmother may not be here with us anymore. 

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She took care of my boyfriend’s grandma when things took a turn. We are forever grateful for her knowledge and the care she provided!  

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Diana took excellent care of my mother-in-law. She was with her when she had a stroke and responded immediately and saved her life.  

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She saved my wife when she had a stroke in her room. Diana’s quick response helped save her life and in turn, our whole family!