I would like to recognize the efforts of Kelli Cristea in the ICU for being steadfast, even-keeled and going above and beyond! This past week, we shared a complicated patient who was critically ill. He was an older gentleman who was admitted to the ICU for an acute illness. He did have an extensive cardiac history and a known weakened heart. He was placed on emergent therapies in hopes of reversing his critical situation. He required several medications to sustain stability.
When Kelli first encountered the patient at 7 am, she recognized the severity of his situation. She immediately grabbed the attention of the intensivist and was able to have an emergent access placed to help better care for him. The patient required constant vigilant care. The emergent therapies he was receiving had some roadblocks that Kelli saw, so she made sure she was in the room every 5-10 minutes. Instead of waiting, she took the initiative to reach out to specialists for advice and consults after discussing with the patient's primary physician.
In addition, there were several concerned family members at the bedside requesting updates on a regular basis. Throughout the entire shift, she remained diligent and calm, all while administering high-level care, titrating critical medications, tending and updating the patient's family, all while being the charge nurse that day with a full assignment.
At the end of the shift, the patient had several complaints that concerned me; despite our treatment, I was concerned he may not make it through the night. The following morning, I was thrilled to see the gentlemen awake, smiling and doing well. The patient's signs and symptoms started to improve and he was transferred out of the ICU a few days later. In my opinion, I don't think the man would have survived if it weren't for Kelli. The DAISY Award is presented to nurses whose compassion and clinical skills go above and beyond, and I think that's exactly what Kelli displayed that day and displays every day in the ICU.