ruth bertuzzi, RN, MSN

Ruth is described as “an exceptional patient advocate”, and her nomination floored us with the story of her interactions with a patient who had multiple re-admissions following an MVA 13 years prior. This man was bed-bound, had a tracheotomy and was diagnosed as being in a “persistent vegetative state”.

While on daily rounds, Ruth noticed some new behaviors, that the patient seemed to be trying to communicate, and that there was a consistency of response. He was able to nod and blink, as well as follow some simple commands. She notified Dr Pilling and a Physical Medicine and Rehab eval was obtained. Shortly after initial PT/OT/SLP evaluations, the patient was using an adaptive call bell, was up in a chair and beginning to speak. The patient was admitted to CIR.

The nurses, doctors and therapists involved with this case were delighted to have made such a difference in the man's life. The case manager who nominated Ruth stated, “This gentleman smiled for the first time I have seen and I have worked with him for over 8 years.”