Laura Burton was nominated for saving a patient's life and making a difference in a patient outcome. By using the CUS communication tool (concerned, uncomfortable, safety), she identified a need and took actions that ultimately saved a patient's life. The patient was experiencing respiratory distress and despite orders to discharge the patient, Laura's assessments were indicating this patient needed more care, so she stepped up to communicate her concerns with the physician. Test results confirmed her suspicions, requiring the patient to receive more care before discharge.

The moral of the story is that Laura still felt something was not right. Her critical thinking allowed her to notify the physician of her concerns and had an impact on patient safety. If this patient was discharged, he could have died from this. This is a great example of how nurses make a difference at the bedside.