I am a nurse in MICU and was training as relief charge in MICU yesterday. Jackie Navarro was floated to our unit from the NSI and did an incredible job of caring for one of our patients.
One of the patients Jackie was assigned yesterday has been in our care for several days; her course has been complex, filled with conflicting messages, strange symptoms, and has mystified physicians. Her family has been tired, frustrated, confused, and overwhelmed with information. Throughout the shift it became clear to Jackie that we were at a turning point in the patient's care; intubate (probably terminally, given the clinical picture) or begin to transition to comfort measures only. The family did not know what to do. It would have been much easier for Jackie to let this situation play out "naturally"; to wring her hands and defer to physicians, to me, to somebody (anybody) else, but instead she took an active role in caring for the patient. She spoke plainly and kindly to the family about what she saw and knew and through the relationship she built, negotiated a family meeting. She coordinated the various teams important to the patient's care and finally got everybody together. At the end of the shift the teams and the family met and they were able to formulate a plan that they felt was in keeping with the patient's wishes.
Because of Jackie's initiative and willingness to step up (away from her own unit and known team), our patient and family did not linger in limbo and were able to have peace in a sad situation.
Thank you, Jackie, for your kindness and care; it is an honor to have you a part of our team.