Even though she wasn't on call, Heather responded to the call when it was noted that we could be getting a patient needing "Dr. Ice"; this requires cooling of the patient's core temperature and is an involved process that necessitates transfer to MUH after coronary intervention. Because Heather has an ED background, she is familiar with the process and wanted to offer herself as a resource to provide optimal care for the patient. While she was initially told it was unnecessary for her to come in, she insisted that she would stay available to the team. In short order, they did find that they needed her assistance and Heather came in to assist. Despite her diligent work, we were unable to transfer the patient to MUH and continue the hypothermia protocol. However, the patient (a young father and husband) began improving almost immediately after Dr. V and the team opened his arteries and he ultimately made a full recovery. He returned home within a few short days without any deficits.
This is not unusual behavior for Heather. She often stays late to help the call team and has come in while not on call to help with other complicated emergencies. She puts our patients first and supports her team. Heather goes above and beyond and doesn't expect any special praise because to her it is a part of what being a nurse means. I want Heather to know that her team and her patients recognize and appreciate her commitment to providing excellent care - every day of the week.