Jen is an integral part of the 9 South team. She is a charge nurse, preceptor, and resource to all team members. During bedside shift report Jen met one of her assigned patients for the day, a younger gentleman who was very active and independent at home. They talked about the plan of care with the night nurse and the patient was fully aware of what would be happening over the next 12 hours. This interaction allowed for Jen to perform a quick assessment, ensuring the ABCs were all intact.

When Jen finished receiving report on the rest of her assigned patients, she returned to the initial patient to complete vital signs and a more thorough physical assessment. Upon entering the room, Jen detected that something wasn’t right. As Jen got closer to the bed, she noticed obvious neurological changes in her patient, including a pronounced facial droop and aphasia. Jen performed a neurological assessment and noted additional changes and a severe decline in condition. While the charge nurse called for the assistance of the Rapid Response Team and physicians, Jen immediately intervened and provided the care necessary for this situation. She was also able to pinpoint the exact time of the patient’s “last known normal”, a very important assessment piece, as approximately 20 minutes earlier at the time she was in the room during the bedside shift report.

Assessments were performed, tests were completed, and treatment was initiated, all within the crucial time frame to give the patient the best chance of a favorable outcome after an ischemic stroke. Fast forward approximately 10 hours to the Neuro ICU…we received word that the patient was up out of bed, walking and talking without residual effects, and back to baseline without neurological deficits. The patient was very thankful and grateful to have Jen as his nurse that day. Her quick thinking and immediate action are what make her an excellent nurse and deserving DAISY recipient.