...Renee's patient started having arrhythmias in the PACU and then he went into a heart block. She immediately contacted the anesthesiologist who ordered Robinul thinking this was happening due to effects of the anesthesia. Renee asked if she could also order an EKG. She gave the Robinul and the arrhythmia resolved. Still, she wanted to make absolutely certain that nothing more was going on than the effects of anesthesia. It's a good thing she made sure she did ALL she could for the patient because the EKG showed infarct. At this point, she acted immediately. She contacted anesthesia who made a consult to cardiology. This is when she enlisted the help of the PACU "team". Several nurses who were available stepped in to get this patient what he needed as quickly as possible. We called a cardiac alert and it turned out the patient needed to go straight to the cath lab for a blockage.

Renee Plankeel certainly showed TRUSTED behaviors the day one of her patients was in the PACU.

T-Teamwork: She enlisted the help of the team

R-Responsive and Respectful: She acted quickly and explained what was happening to the patient and his spouse

U-Understanding: She communicated well with the EKG tech and understood this situation was urgent

S-Safe: She maintained the safety of the patient throughout

T-Talent: Her talent, experience and critical thinking saved this patient from further heart damage

E-Execution: She made sure this all happened as quickly as possible

D-Dedication: She stayed late that day to make sure the patient was taken care of