ernesto ledonne, BSN, RN, CCRN

One morning we had an RRT on 4 Cathcart. The patient was experiencing unstable vital signs, tremors, and change in mental status. Ernesto responded as part of the RRT team and immediately showed his prowess throughout the duration of the experience. But what was really impressive was what he did after the RRT. There was no room available in the ICU and the patient seemed to stabilize while down for a CT scan. Acknowledging the acuity of the patient, Ernesto suggested coming back to sit bedside with the patient for 2 - 3 hours to ensure he truly was stable. During his time with us, Ernesto drew follow-up labs, monitored urine output and vital signs, and counseled the quite shaken family at bedside. Once we felt the patient was truly stable, Ernesto left to return to his role as RRT nurse, but not without verbalizing that he was here for us and for my patient. Although I do not have the privilege of working with Ernesto very often, this experience illustrates what is obvious to medical professionals throughout the hospital - Ernesto is compassionate, knowledgeable, and invested in delivering safe, high level care for our patients and support to his coworkers. He is a valuable resource to the whole hospital, not only because of his great work in the ICU but also because he commits himself to building bridges between units so that we can function as a more cohesive and thus far safer hospital. He truly makes a difference.