Michelle Bierman and P answered the call to care for a critically ill patient in the ER. ER nurse staffing was critically short during that night shift, and the ICU did not have any beds open to transfer this patient. Michelle Bierman saw the need and took that patient assignment from 11p – 7:30a in the ER. This patient was critically ill enough to warrant a 2nd ICU-skilled nurse, so Michelle called out P. P came in and worked alongside Michelle from 11pm – 3am.

Both Michelle and P saw the life-threatening need for ICU nursing care for this patient, and both came in to take this assignment on their off shift. I was not there for this event, but to me, it does not sound like an exaggeration to say both of their actions saved this patient’s life that night. Both of their actions fully exhibited living our Core Values! Additional shout-out – Michelle & P’s nomination was during spring break:

Credit where credit is due. I was super humbled the other night when I came in at 3 am. I was asked by the charge to take an ICU patient so that the nurse could be relieved. ICU was packed and this patient was being held in the ED until a room became available. I’ll be honest, I can put my finger in a hole to stop the bleeding, give a shot or start an IV, but when I walked in, I knew this patient was out of my league.

***

This nurse/director not only had on blue scrubs all week, but also offered to cover lunches, and helped out where she could. She took over the care of a critically ill patient and did an amazing job. She got down and dirty, she was spot on with her care, she advocated for her patient and she delivered amazing hands-on nursing care. I’m sure it was apparent that I was more than uncomfortable taking care of this patient and she continued another 5-6 hours after that to ensure he got the best available care. Thank you, Michelle Bierman, you nailed it!!