Nancy Perry, BSN, RN

I'd like to recognize my colleague, Nancy Perry. I remember a day so clearly when Nancy Perry helped save my patient. I received a patient who had just had major abdominal surgery, was post-general anesthesia, and was known for his severe obstructive sleep apnea. He was brought from OR with oral airway to the recovery. Nancy was busy discharging her patient while I constantly monitored my patient, increased oxygen supplementation to the maximum, and helped position his neck to open the airway. I tried several approaches, but I couldn't maintain normal oxygen saturation. He was a large man with a short neck. His oxygen saturation dropped into the low 60s %.

I began calling out for help from anybody, not specifically to Nancy, whose bay was down the hall from mine. Both of my hands were occupied opening the airway and bagging the patient. The suction was ready, but secretions were not the main problem. The airway was physically obstructed. We didn't have an on-duty assistant nurse manager, but a charge nurse (another colleague) assumed that duty. Nancy was the only one who heard me. She came running to help. She called the anesthesiologist to assess immediately. She helped open the airway, and I manually ventilated with an Ambu bag, which was more effective.

The charge nurse arrived to watch out for Nancy's patient. The anesthesiologist came and assumed ventilation. He eventually administered the reversal. Nancy never left my side until my patient's vital signs were stable. Her actions exemplify the critical importance of rapid, coordinated response in potential medical emergencies. Airway obstruction can escalate quickly, and Nancy's expertise and immediate action were instrumental in preventing potential complications. Her clinical skills and commitment to patient safety are truly commendable.