... On 10/25/14 I came to CVSU to work my "normal shift" AM shift. I was greeted by Meghan Kolmer, RN to get patient handoff and bedside report. I quickly realized this shift and patient assignment was to be far from "normal". The patient was a very pleasant lady with a history congestive heart failure. She was on CVSU, for treatment and recovering from a cardiac catheterization, quite routine events clinically. However, while on the step down unit, this patient experienced a new onset seizure activity with unknown etiology. On Meghan's PM shift, the patient became hypotensive with critical blood pressures. Throughout her 12 hour shift, Meghan placed a number of physician phone calls. She placed and executed verbal MD orders and cared for this patient who lost IV access. It was reported to me that several attempts by Meghan and her team were necessary to re-established peripheral access to administer crucial IV medications. In this shift, she also continued to care for her other patients. These are all standard practices for a TCH nurse. What makes Meghan's actions and attitude elevate to the exceptional level is what transpired when shift change occurred.

At the very critical time for RN's, shift change, I was getting the report on this patient. The physician placed several orders for this patient, specifically, an order for a "stat" MRI. This patient was just the first of several in my charge today. I still had to get "report" from other nurses regarding three other patients. As physician calls poured in for orders, Meghan volunteered, without prompting, to take the patient to MRI and stay with her during the scan and returned the patient back to the room, after the procedure.

This action would involve Meghan staying after her 12 hour scheduled shift concluded to help this patient. By doing this, Meghan provided excellent care to the patient and was a resource of communication, comfort and support to the patient during a very difficult and scary time. The patient will never realize the magnitude of Meghan's gestures, but I do. Meghan demonstrated extraordinary professionalism and teamwork. The other patients on the floor were able to have continued TCH EXCEL's care without delay from the new team member, namely me. No patient care was compromised at any time. As a RN in a critical care floor, teamwork and exceptional communication are vital for successful outcomes. Meghan Kolmer, RN made a significant difference today in countless ways.



I would like to nominate Meghan for The Daisy Award for her professional and unselfish actions; her dedication and commitment ultimately aided team members to complete their job efficiently and assured seamless high quality care for the patients on CVSU. It is an honor to work with Meghan Kolmer, RN and call her a member of our TCH CVSU Family.