Monica was assigned to care for Mr. K. He was a complicated post op patient who was not doing well that day. Her shift started at 7am and as she was assessing her patient she could sense something was wrong. His temp was elevated, subtle changes in his blood pressure and he didn't feel right. Also pain in his belly. She completed her assessment, reassured the patient and went to look at his labs. She then started on her journey to advocate for his subtly changing condition and the need for surgical follow up. She felt he was becoming septic and something was wrong. She continually checked on the patient, reassured him and his family and continued to speak to the surgical residents and follow additional orders.

Monica and the patient made a connection. You could see that he was confident in her care of him and looked to her for information and reassurance. The surgical team arrived and things happened quickly. Many stat meds-xrays etc. Monica reassured the patient continually, provided the required care and got him ready for a stat cat scan. The stat CAT scan turned into an emergency trip to the OR. She continued to educate the patient, communicate with many physicians, draw lab and give report to the OR. The patient and his daughter were very appreciative of her competence and communication with them. He had lost his wife last year and that made the situation more stressful. Monica truly advocated for her patient and with her sense that something was wrong she went the distance to care for him.

She exhibited our pride values of professionalism, respect, dignity and excellence.