I received a phone call from the ER. They stated, "We're placing a pacemaker here in the ER and Doctor needs a sheath. Could someone bring it over?" Francie was in CCL pre/post getting ready to leave for the day. I told her the situation; she immediately went to the Cath Lab to get supplies needed. I received a 2nd phone call stating Doctor needs a transvenous pacemaker kit. Francie was coming through the pre/post with her arms full of supplies. I told her what Doctor needed and Francie said, "I've already got it," and away she went to the ER.
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I was called to the ER for a patient in a complete heart block. The patient was unstable and transcutaneous pacing was not capturing. She required an emergent TVP at the bedside. The ER did not have the necessary equipment. Francie overheard that I needed help in the ER. Her shift was over and was leaving the hospital.
Instead, Francie went to the CCL, grabbed all the equipment I needed, and came immediately to the bedside in the ER. Without hesitation, she scrubbed next to me and we placed at bedside TVP in a matter of minutes before the patient could have lost a pulse. The ER staff was uncomfortable with the management and Francie stayed to teach them how to use the pacemaker until they were comfortable. Without doubt she went above and beyond the call of duty. She made me feel immediately comfortable in an intense situation and most importantly saved a life! If she doesn't define DAISY Award winner, I don't know what does.