Fridays are typically our busiest days on the Short Stay Unit. This Friday was no different. We were busting at the seams and had received a patient from another facility to have a procedure done, after the procedure she was to return to her facility. These particular patients are especially challenging as there is a specific workflow to have them "admitted" to our unit while maintaining their inpatient bed at the other facility. That being said, from the moment the patient arrived, it was clear that she was more ill than anticipated.
Melissa Porter, the nurse caring for the patient, and precepting a new hire, immediately recognized the patient as exhibiting signs and symptoms of sepsis. She immediately set to work checking on the patient and exploring her options to communicate with the physician at the other hospital and with the one completing her procedure here.
As many staff are aware, coordinating care between multiple providers can be a bit…interesting. In my discussion and brainstorming with Melissa on how to get support at the bedside, she voiced some frustration, but time and time again she reverted back to her desire to do the right thing for the patient. The patient needed life-saving treatment before her sepsis became out of hand.
Melissa weathered the challenging patient situation by being clear in her communicating the patient's needs to all disciplines of care. She did so with poise and class while keeping the patient at the front and center of focus. I am convinced that Melissa saved a life that day and is a DAISY Nurse in all our eyes.