Paula has been an exemplary employee of CCH for close to 30 years. When she was 17, she started working here as part of the cafeteria staff. Through her hard work and dedication, she became a CNA, then an LPN, and went on to become an RN. She was a charge nurse on the 2nd floor before joining Central Carolina Surgical Clinic. 

During an operation last week, she contacted me immediately concerning an emergency with one of our patients.  The patient came into the office having not felt well for the past day. Without hesitation, Paula acquired a blood sugar and found her levels were above 400. She also noticed her symptoms of chest pain and shortness of breath and found her blood pressure to be in the 80s. Before I arrived, Paula already called EMS to bring the patient to the emergency room.  EMS talked to the family about bringing her to First Health.  Paula argued that the patient needed to go to the nearest emergency room, which was obviously Central Carolina Hospital. When the patient did arrive in the emergency room, she was stabilized and admitted to the ICU. Cardiology was consulted and the patient was catheterized and needed 3 stents. 

Without assistance, Paula got the patient stabilized and transferred to the correct location.  Her quick thinking and training kept this patient alive.  I am very proud of her critical thinking and her clinical skills. By the time I showed up, the patient was already on the EMS stretcher heading for the door. I thought this incident was worthy of such recognition as a DAISY Award.