May 2023
Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit Team
at VCU Health
Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit
Virginia Commonwealth University VCU Medical Center
Richmond
,
VA
United States
Anna Cole, RN, BSN – Clinical Nurse II
Kelley Corbett, RN, BSN – Clinical Nurse II
Kathleen Delbuono, RN, BSN – Clinical Nurse II
Uta Messinger, RN, ADN – Clinical Nurse III
Katherine Rodgers, RN, ADN – Clinical Nurse I
Andrea Steegmayer, RN, BSN – Clinical Nurse III
Cathleen “Cathy” Friedrichs, RN, BSN – Clinical Nurse IV
Kiearra Williams, RN, ADN – Clinical Nurse II
Kelley Corbett, RN, BSN – Clinical Nurse II
Kathleen Delbuono, RN, BSN – Clinical Nurse II
Uta Messinger, RN, ADN – Clinical Nurse III
Katherine Rodgers, RN, ADN – Clinical Nurse I
Andrea Steegmayer, RN, BSN – Clinical Nurse III
Cathleen “Cathy” Friedrichs, RN, BSN – Clinical Nurse IV
Kiearra Williams, RN, ADN – Clinical Nurse II
It is not unusual to have a patient in our unit for 1-2 weeks; however, it is unusual to have a patient on the unit for 6 months. It is that rare patient that comes in and stays for an extended amount of time.
The night this patient came in, we did not expect him to live. He did live. He was a pleasant, smart patient who loved animals and had lived an interesting life. We all loved talking to him and walking with him in the halls. We got to know and love him, which made it that much more devastating when he declined and was critically ill for so long.
Knowing that continuity of care is so important in the Neuroscience ICU, we made a list of volunteers to be his primary nurses. His exam continued to wax and wane, so having his nurses acutely aware of his common and uncommon motor movements helped the team make decisions on care.
His family was present every day. They verbalized how important it was to see the nurses they recognize that understand the subtle changes in his exam and can act on these changes quickly. Creating a group of primary nurses helped the family go home to rest. His wife and children became people we knew well. Having familiar faces with them during difficult conversations lessened the burden they felt when getting through tough times.
During these times, his primary nurses focused on things that would bring joy to him and his family. One bright, sunny day, Anna took him outside so he could meet his wife with their dogs. The Dogs on Call service came to see him often, but his own dogs were what he really needed. He perked up and smiled while giving them a treat.
One night after he had had a particularly rough day, Kathleen decided to decorate his door. One nurse drew a picket fence while other nurses joined in adding bees and butterflies. The next morning, his wife noticed it immediately and said how sweet it was to see.
After months of primary care nursing, some nurses needed a break. A second group of primary nurse volunteers took over. These nurses filled in when the main group needed respite. These three nurses stepped up and advocated for him to ensure he continued to get the best care possible. Collaboration between the ICU team and the primary nurses was key in creating clear communication to the family during changes in his status. Nurses would communicate directly to the attending with questions and concerns from the family. This created a trusting relationship between nursing, the family, and the attending. It was a true team effort to continue to care for this special patient.
Dog visits and decorations are nice, but it was the dedication and caring over a 6-month period that made the difference in how his family has been able to withstand such a prolonged illness. He is a special patient, and it took a special group of nurses to care for him.
I am proud to nominate this team for The DAISY Award. I saw in action how their caring and dedication affected the patient and family.
The night this patient came in, we did not expect him to live. He did live. He was a pleasant, smart patient who loved animals and had lived an interesting life. We all loved talking to him and walking with him in the halls. We got to know and love him, which made it that much more devastating when he declined and was critically ill for so long.
Knowing that continuity of care is so important in the Neuroscience ICU, we made a list of volunteers to be his primary nurses. His exam continued to wax and wane, so having his nurses acutely aware of his common and uncommon motor movements helped the team make decisions on care.
His family was present every day. They verbalized how important it was to see the nurses they recognize that understand the subtle changes in his exam and can act on these changes quickly. Creating a group of primary nurses helped the family go home to rest. His wife and children became people we knew well. Having familiar faces with them during difficult conversations lessened the burden they felt when getting through tough times.
During these times, his primary nurses focused on things that would bring joy to him and his family. One bright, sunny day, Anna took him outside so he could meet his wife with their dogs. The Dogs on Call service came to see him often, but his own dogs were what he really needed. He perked up and smiled while giving them a treat.
One night after he had had a particularly rough day, Kathleen decided to decorate his door. One nurse drew a picket fence while other nurses joined in adding bees and butterflies. The next morning, his wife noticed it immediately and said how sweet it was to see.
After months of primary care nursing, some nurses needed a break. A second group of primary nurse volunteers took over. These nurses filled in when the main group needed respite. These three nurses stepped up and advocated for him to ensure he continued to get the best care possible. Collaboration between the ICU team and the primary nurses was key in creating clear communication to the family during changes in his status. Nurses would communicate directly to the attending with questions and concerns from the family. This created a trusting relationship between nursing, the family, and the attending. It was a true team effort to continue to care for this special patient.
Dog visits and decorations are nice, but it was the dedication and caring over a 6-month period that made the difference in how his family has been able to withstand such a prolonged illness. He is a special patient, and it took a special group of nurses to care for him.
I am proud to nominate this team for The DAISY Award. I saw in action how their caring and dedication affected the patient and family.