I have had the good fortune of working evenings with Nova since 2003. Each and every shift, Nova arrives with a "can-do attitude" where no task is ever too tall for her. That attitude not only encompasses her work ethic towards her patients but also extends to her work family. She is the perfect example of an extraordinary nurse. Her skill and compassion are demonstrated every day. Both I and her manager believe advocacy is the best of her attributes. She can recognize a patient in distress and will not stop advocating for the patient until they are cared for appropriately.
On Tuesday, Nova called the multi specialists to evaluate her patient prior to the patient leaving the floor with transport for MRI. The same patient was showing variable signs of distress throughout the shift. Not only did her excellent assessment skills allow her to recognize the patient should not leave the floor, but her advocacy role gave voice to the team to take a collective time out. In doing so, the patient went for an emergent CT Scan and was taken immediately to the OR for neurosurgery. It is my personal belief that the patient would have not had a positive outcome had Nova not stepped forward to take the lead.
I wish I could put into words the many times Nova has intervened in the same way for patients. On this fateful day, she saved a life and took little credit for doing so. On this day, I took the step to give credit where credit is due. The staff and patients of Danbury Hospital are truly lucky to have a nurse like Nova among our ranks.