Raquel Silva
June 2017
Raquel
Silva
,
RN
Emergency Department
St. Francis Hospital
Columbus
,
GA
United States

 

 

 

Raquel Silva has been with our department for a little over a year as a new nurse. There is not just one amazing story to share, but many of her work ethic, efficiency, competency and compassion. She is truly an amazing nurse and patient advocate. Her excellent assessment and critical thinking skills have been crucial in the diagnosis and care of her patients. Here are just a few examples of her attention to detail and compassionate care.
Raquel came to me regarding her concern for the condition of her patient. She was concerned regarding the continued shortness of breath of her patient and that the Ativan she was given was not decreasing her anxiousness. We went to the PA and discussed our concerns regarding the patient's condition and asked for the PA reevaluate the patient and the diagnostic testing. Raquel advocated that her patient received care for the pulmonary emboli, however remained short of breath and had not received treatment for the plural effusion. Dr. P and Interventional Radiology were consulted and the patient admission was upgraded to Intensive care. The patient did receive a right pleural catheter for the plural effusion.
***
Raquel was caring for an admitted patient and was preparing to take her to her assigned bed. Raquel noticed on the bedside cardiac monitor the patient's cardiac rhythm was different than it had been. She took the initiative to do an EKG and came to me with concerns regarding the EKG changes. The hospitalist was paged and cardiology was consulted. A STEMI alert was called on this patient and the patient went to cath lab. Great job Raquel! We appreciate you and everything you do for your patients and the department!
***
Recently, Raquel was triaging a patient who was reporting pain all over. The patient was restless and very nonspecific in her complaints. Raquel continued with her assessment and was persistent in questioning the patient to determine why the patient came to the emergency department. Raquel determined that the patient's main complaint was epigastric pain. Raquel immediately did an EKG and presented it to the ED physician as she was concerned the patient's EKG showed she was having a Myocardial Infarction. A STEMI alert was called. Great job Raquel!
***
Raquel took a report on her new patient one morning. She completed her morning assessment and noted there was a change of the reported mental status of the patient and vital signs. Raquel jumped into action alerting her clinical coordinator and all physicians involved in the patient's care. She advocated for the patient and initiated a sepsis alert. Her diligent care for this patient was amazing.
While this patient did not have an ideal outcome. Raquel's care of the patient is impeccable. Raquel is an amazing nurse and team member. She always goes above and beyond and is an asset to this department and to her patients. Thank you Raquel.