A patient arrived via POV unresponsive. The patient was intubated and on sedation. No ICU rooms were available, and the patient was being kept in the ED. Dr. S came to the ED to see the patient and bronchoscopy was ordered. That is when Paula and another ICU nurse came to assist and helped with the procedure and placement of arterial lines and an additional CVL.
The patient's blood pressure was very low and was placed on multiple pressors and different sedation was ordered. The patient ended up staying in the ED for 6 hours and Paula stayed in the ED with the patient knowing it was in the best interest of her patient to be cared for by a nurse with more experience with all the different medications being administered than I and my RNRP had. She used the opportunity to teach about arterial lines and administering multiple pressors.
The patient's family came in and out and Paula was very comforting to them asking questions and getting to know her patient through their answers. Thank you, Paula, not only for your kindness and the excellent care you gave our patient but for your professionalism and kindness you showed your fellow nurses.