Melissa went above and beyond for an Out-Patient Bronchoscopy when she found out post-op that the patient did not have proper home care. The patient was 75-year-old frail little lady who lived alone. She was brought to the hospital by her 91-year-old friend who admitted she could not stay overnight with the patient or take care of her if she was to have any problems. After speaking to case management, risk management, and anesthesia, they spoke up for her patient's safety and stood firm in being an advocate for her patient.
Melissa talked with anesthesia, who had refused to sign the patient out or discharge patient home without adequate care, and together they took a stand that it was too unsafe to send a patient home with a sensitive airway with a friend who was unable to stay with her. Case escalated to OA and the doctor made patient a bedded out-patient.
Kudos to Melissa for using her strong assessment skills and critical thinking skills in making the decision on the side of safety for her patient. Although the patient had been advised pre-op of the post-op care needed, it became apparent that her friend did not understand. Thanks to her due diligence, her needs were taken care of. Melissa also had the dietary department make her patient scrambled eggs at 4:00 pm in the afternoon.