Leah Spurlock, BSN, RN

During my 96 y/o mother’s recent emergency admit for a ruptured gastric ulcer, she was discharged to the IMCU post surgery. Septic complications, poor venous access, and the need for intensive IV/vasopressor and antibiotic therapy quickly advanced her care beyond the skills and knowledge of the night IMCU staff. Leah was working ICU and was able to do double duty between wards to attend to my mother’s needs. Leah flawlessly placed multiple PIV using ultrasound in a very difficult to access patient to provide critically needed venous access. Leah led and oversaw a highly complex procedural regimen for K+ management throughout the night while effectively conducting training exercises for the IMCU nursing staff. All the while moving between ICU and IMCU to manage multiple patients. Eventually, Mom was moved to the ICU, where Leah continued her intensive care and management. I firmly believe Leah’s applied skills, knowledge, and dedication likely saved Mom’s life during that critical post-op period. Leah was the consummate nursing professional exhibiting all the qualities of skill, adaptability, and patient/family centricity that are the hallmarks of exceptional nursing practice.