December 2021
Kimberly
Peterson
,
RN
Float pool
Advocate Aurora Sheboygan Clinic
Sheboygan
,
WI
United States
I want to thank Kim for answering the call and going above and beyond to live the values of Advocate Aurora Health Care on my behalf in her daily work.
I would like to recognize Kim Peterson for implementing an exceptional, personalized care plan for my Covid-19 vaccine administration. I received my first vaccine earlier in Feb. and had problems with left arm pain, which had not resolved as my second dose appointment approached. I also became aware that the side effect of axillary lymphedema is seen in up to 16% of second dose recipients. This was of significant concern to me, a post-breast cancer patient with high-risk factors for lymphedema, particularly on my right side, so the use of the alternate deltoid for vaccination was not an option for me. My primary care physician agreed with my concern. Lymphedema is a life-long risk for people after breast cancer surgery. Lymphedema, once developed, becomes a chronic condition leading to severe swelling, thickening, and scarring of arm tissue, risk of infection, body image changes, and chronic pain. Because of these concerns, I received permission to deviate from the deltoid protocol. However, not every vaccinator is both competent and willing to use the authorized alternate site, ventro-gluteal. Kim readily agreed to help, having had previous experience using this IM site in the clinic setting. She took the time to review site landmarks with another experienced nurse before my appointment. Kim agreed to meet me before normal hours and quickly put me at ease. Kim had ensured there was a screened area and stretcher for this administration. The injection went smoothly and painlessly with no local side effects. I understand she has been approached to develop a procedure for using this site for other patients with similar concerns and risk factors. I want to thank Kim for answering the call and going above and beyond to live the values of Advocate Aurora Health Care on my behalf in her daily work. I thank her for respecting me as an individual and administering this vaccine in the way most safe for me.