Fabian Leyva, RN

We recently had an exceptionally ill ICU patient come from the OR on ECMO, a highly complicated and rare form of life support at Arnett. While Fabian is a seasoned ICU nurse at Arnett, the infrequency (perhaps twice a year) of ECMO at Arnett taxes everyone's skills. Fabian managed the patient skillfully, just as well as any nurse I saw during my two decades at Methodist, which is an accomplishment on its own.

However, Fabian was able to help manage the nursing team while taking orders from both the Cardiovascular surgeon and myself with a smile and ease despite having to titrate drips and transfuse 44 units of blood products (even needing to manage the level one rapid transfuser). He stayed calm and collected under pressure, and he was pleasant and compassionate with family during a difficult time for them while maintaining collegiality.

I was so impressed that I reached out to the ICU manager afterward to voice how impressed I was and ask how I could acknowledge the masterful care he gave to that patient, the family, and the team. It is notable that Fabian is consistent in his skills and compassion; this was such an awe-inspiring look at his commitment to living our IUH Values that I was compelled to nominate him for a DAISY Award.