A patient and her husband presented to the ED who could only speak Punjabi. The patient was very weak and her husband was very soft spoken. After multiple attempts to use the LanguageLine iPads, communication failed because they couldn't hear the interpreter. The patient's nurse couldn't communicate the reason for her admission to the ICU for chest pain, medications being administered or the plan of care. That's when the nurse remembered that Gurloveleen was working on 3-West that day.
Without hesitation, Gurloveleen came right over and assisted me with communication. She really put the patient and her husband at ease when they were in a terrifying environment. Gurloveleen explained the reason for admission, medications, plan of care, pain management and ICU visiting hours. She even escorted the patient's husband to the restroom and waiting area and gave detailed instructions on how to call back into the ICU. At the end of her shift, she came back to the ICU to follow up and ensure the patient and her husband knew what the next steps were and to see if they had any more questions.
Gurloveleen provided a high-quality plan of care when she did not have to, and I know that the patient and her husband are forever grateful.