Janet has an incredible resume of experience and longevity as a Critical Care RN. We were working overnight and my patient began to have sudden pain due to a brewing hemothorax that ultimately required the emergent insertion of a chest tube by the CT surgeon at 0300, naturally!
With Janet guiding me through the steps, we ordered all the relevant tests, etc..and then the CCNP Billy Pezzotti, was as always, a huge part of the team to help us with evaluating the results quickly, getting the Critical Care MD, CT surgeon and everyone at the bedside we needed to help this patient. The patient was clearly in distress, his spouse was very emotional and it was a very urgent and stressful situation.
Janet took the lead, using her experience and critical care thinking, gracefully and swiftly assisted the CT surgeon and remained proactive throughout the procedure preemptively providing instruments and medications. Kathy was there as well to do whatever was needed, instruct me to complete necessary tasks and documentation and answer questions. Billy was there to help with quickly infusing blood, inserting IVs and general support from his vast experience as a trauma RN and NP.
The patient received blood, fluids, the necessary intervention and all with emotional support and positive encouragement from Janet as well as the rest of the team.
The important piece of this story is that I was emotionally and clinically supported by my coworkers at every second. I was extremely anxious and had never experienced this type of emergency. The patient and his wife were smiling and laughing with us at the end of the ordeal and the outcome was positive for everyone. Kathy, Janet and Billy were compassionate not only for the safety and care of my patient and his wife but also demonstrated exemplary compassion for their coworker.