kristina howland, LPN

It started as a busy day in the ED, and all the beds were filled. A patient came in complaining of chest pain, the triage nurse was busy so I brought the patient into our only open bed. As I was completing the triage, Kristina came and helped me without me asking. She made the observation that this patient was not well. She completed the EKG, IV and blood work, and notified the doctor of the acute findings on the EKG. The patient was having a STEMI. Kristina is such an asset, not just to me, but to the Emergency Department and the patients as well. If this patient did not receive the immediate attention that Kristina gave, I believe the outcome would have been grim. This patient was able to get to the cath lab downtown in less than 20min. The role of the LPN is often understated, especially in the Emergency Department. Kristina, along with the other LPNs here are not "ancillary staff" but other nurses that are very important to our team.