LaTanya acted very quickly when a patient became severely hypotensive during change of shift. She immediately utilized her assessment skills to see beyond the numbers on the machine; she was able to ascertain that although the patient was not actively bleeding at that time, blood loss was taking place based on the patient's color and responsiveness to questions. LaTanya advocated for her patient, recognizing the need to notify rapid response for an evaluation. The patient needed to be transferred to ICU. Not only did LaTanya accompany the patient with the Rapid Response Team, she remained with the patient for as long as possible, helping her to remain calm while the ICU team assessed her. She did this while simultaneously giving report to the ICU team. The patient did require surgery when it was found that she was bleeding internally. Throughout the entire emergency, LaTanya's demeanor was calm and focused. She showed compassion for her patient who spoke limited English by speaking calmly to her in a way she would understand that she was being well taken care of. LaTanya also demonstrated compassion and empathy for the patient's husband, who also spoke limited English. She was able to explain the situation to him in a way he could understand while at the same time assuring him that his newborn baby would be taken care of while he tended to his wife. LaTanya's concern for the well-being of this patient continued even after she was transferred off our unit. She followed up with the patient and learned that she was improving.
We were informed after the event that had the Rapid Response Team not been notified by LaTanya at that moment, a newborn would have lost his mother, and a husband his wife that night.
LaTanya demonstrates the ability to consistently place the patient's safety as top priority. Her quick decision made in that critical moment resulted in the best possible outcome for this patient. LaTanya is truly a life-saver and I am grateful to have her as a colleague.