Elizabeth A Gray
November 2019
Elizabeth A
Gray
,
RN
Family Medicine Care
Community Health Network
Indianapolis
,
IN
United States
Elizabeth had only met this patient maybe twice prior to this day, yet when she went back into the room it only took her literally 3 minutes before he agreed to have the EMTs come.
There are numerous examples daily of Elizabeth's superior patient-first approach to healthcare. One that particularly inspires me is with a 72 y/o male who continues to work full time as 3rd shift security guard. This patient is oxygen dependent second to his severe COPD, who also has numerous severe medical issues including but not limited to a-fib w/ pacer and chronic CHF and presented to the office for a routine 3 month follow-up. Nurse Elizabeth was extensively concerned because the patient was showing signs and symptoms of acute respiratory distress. Though this patient drove to the office, Elizabeth immediately recognized that he not only need to be admitted for this, but he was too acutely ill to be safely driving.
Elizabeth informed me of her concerns that the patient refused to go to ER for evaluation and would not allow our staff to call paramedics for him. She and I thought I would easily convince this patient of the seriousness of his current state and get him the appropriate care. During my clinical visit with this patient, I thoroughly discussed my concerns for his acute respiratory issues and my concerns for his safety if he drove home. Despite this talk, he refused EMT transportation, and he stated he would be fine after a couple of days of rest. Despite my well-established therapeutic patient-physician relationship that has been emerging over the last 9 years he was steadfast in his decision. I informed Elizabeth of his decision and she would not accept this answer from either the patient or myself. She looked at me and said, "I am going to speak to him again and he will go to the ER with the paramedics." Elizabeth had only met this patient maybe twice prior to this day, yet when she went back into the room it only took her literally 3 minutes before he agreed to have the EMTs come.
I still do not know what she did or said in that room during those 3 minutes, however, I do know that he was subsequently admitted for 5 days for a severe acute COPD exacerbation as well as a mild acute on chronic CHF that could easily have been lethal. This single patient interaction embodies the brilliance of Elizabeth's nursing and I am inspired by her adamant commitment to achieving the best healthcare possible.
Elizabeth informed me of her concerns that the patient refused to go to ER for evaluation and would not allow our staff to call paramedics for him. She and I thought I would easily convince this patient of the seriousness of his current state and get him the appropriate care. During my clinical visit with this patient, I thoroughly discussed my concerns for his acute respiratory issues and my concerns for his safety if he drove home. Despite this talk, he refused EMT transportation, and he stated he would be fine after a couple of days of rest. Despite my well-established therapeutic patient-physician relationship that has been emerging over the last 9 years he was steadfast in his decision. I informed Elizabeth of his decision and she would not accept this answer from either the patient or myself. She looked at me and said, "I am going to speak to him again and he will go to the ER with the paramedics." Elizabeth had only met this patient maybe twice prior to this day, yet when she went back into the room it only took her literally 3 minutes before he agreed to have the EMTs come.
I still do not know what she did or said in that room during those 3 minutes, however, I do know that he was subsequently admitted for 5 days for a severe acute COPD exacerbation as well as a mild acute on chronic CHF that could easily have been lethal. This single patient interaction embodies the brilliance of Elizabeth's nursing and I am inspired by her adamant commitment to achieving the best healthcare possible.