I am writing to Nominate Evita Patel, RN for the DAISY Award in Nursing. Evita is a compassionate, skilled, and very dedicated clinician who excels in her care of Obstetric patients. She is highly respected by her peers, and by Physicians alike. Evita is most certainly committed to the principle of the “Patient First” philosophy at NM, and this is reflected in her attention to detail, her eagerness to advocate for each individual patient under her care, and her willingness to challenge those around her to also give their very best with each patient encounter. Nurse Patel also leads by example. She is very generous with her time and I have often observed her sacrificing her own time on behalf of her co – workers when the Labor & Delivery Unit is especially busy by volunteering to stay for a couple of hours past the end of her scheduled shift, or coming in to help out on days that she was not originally scheduled to work. As a Physician with 20 years experience in the field of Obstetrics, I have an immense respect for her skill and clinical instincts, and I always enjoy working with her. While her patients may not always be fully aware of her skill and expertise as a Nurse, they certainly experience and are comforted by her easy manner, ready smile, and reassuring, calm demeanor during Labor.

Perhaps the best way to illustrate the assertions I am making above is to relate to you a recent difficult case I managed along with Nurse Patel a few months ago. The Patient was admitted to be induced due to Preeclampsia near term. Her past OB history was remarkable for a history of a Previous C- Section. She had been consented on options for route of delivery in the office earlier and elected to attempt a Trial of Labor After Cesarean (TOLAC). The patient underwent ripening of her cervix overnight and was in Labor when Evita became her Nurse at the start of her shift at 0700. By mid-morning, she was progressing well in Labor. At a certain point, Evita noticed concerning and worrisome changes in the fetal heart tones and assessed the patient and urgently called me to the room. She immediately gave me a succinct SBAR when I entered the room, letting me know that the patient was a TOLAC patient, she was currently experiencing fetal Bradycardia and she was in the Second Stage of Labor (fetal head in the birth canal). The look on her face and the tone of urgency in her voice told me she had serious concerns. I quickly assessed the situation and reached the same conclusion as her that we needed to act quickly. We were fortunately able to accomplish a vaginal delivery with the aid of Forceps, and the baby did well after birth. Shortly after delivery, however, while awaiting the placenta, the patient decompensated. We ultimately determined that she most likely had a Uterine Rupture. This suspicion was confirmed, and she was rushed to the Operating room, with Evita by her side. From that point on a large team of doctors, nurses and other hospital staff cared for this patient who very quickly became critically ill. She required 2 surgical procedures in one day, ICU care, and a Massive Transfusion of blood and blood products that involved replacing her entire blood volume 3 times over. Many NM staff that day helped to save this patient’s life, as she went from her labor room to the OR to the ICU and back again. Evita was the one constant thread in the fabric of her care that day. In all, Evita spent approximately 10 hours with this one extremely ill patient, answering questions, clarifying orders, and updating various members of the care team by providing valuable background. For these reasons above, and for how Evita “shows up” to work every day at NM, I nominate her for the DAISY AWARD. -