Every day I witness numerous acts that demonstrate nursing expertise, commitment to excellence, patient advocacy, and compassion from our Intake Staff. A recent day in August was no different and I want to share with you something I witnessed firsthand.
Kim Segarra received a new patient assignment for a patient who was seeking a second opinion after receiving a Stage III cancer diagnosis from another institution 3 weeks earlier and yet had not received any treatment. After completing the Intake assessment and validating the patient, Kim assured them they were in good hands seeking care at MCI. On the day of the consult, the patient went through screening but was not allowed to proceed due to high fever despite being tested negative for COVID twice in the prior institution. The screening tent team advised the patient to go to the ED but the patient refused, and unfortunately, his wife was unaware of the whole situation as she waited for him in the car.
Once the patient got back to the car, all he told his wife was "they won't see me because I have a fever". In tears, the wife called Kim Segarra (that was the only phone number she had to speak with someone at our institution). Not knowing the whole situation Kim called me for support. After contacting the Triage RN, we found out his fever was 102.9 F and the doctor advised that he needed to be admitted. Kim called the patient and his wife and explained that his fever was most likely related to tumor burden and it was in his best interest to go to the ED for a full workup.
The patient finally agreed and proceeded to the hospital ED. Meanwhile, the wife again needed to wait in the car and was unable to explain the situation to the ED Staff, and the patient was directed to wait with other possible COVID positive patients who were waiting for triage. Kim continued to follow the patient, concerned for his safety and unnecessary exposure to the virus, she continued to coordinate his care. She spoke with the Charge RN and explained the situation and asked for him to be placed in an isolation area. He was soon admitted to the floor. Kim was still the only point of contact for the patient's wife who was, needless to say, very anxious and desperate for news. Kim contacted the Care Management team at the hospital, and they were able to support the family during the next several days since his admission. Kim continues to follow the patient from afar and spoke with his wife recently. He is scheduled to be discharged after receiving his initial treatment and will continue care with the doctor and his team.
I believe this is a great example of how our team is truly aligned with our mission to do what is right for our patients and their families, especially during these troublesome times. It is with a warm heart that I share this story with you.