Creating something from nothing is not for the faint of heart, but Sandra Rizzo made it look easy. When Sandra took on the role of Clinical Nurse Manager for the new Lenox EC, she knew she would be charged with not only hiring her EC team but also thinking creatively about how to best utilize the resources available to her. To some observers, she just hired staff. Sandra took that staff and cultivated an EC team that became a family. This EC family needed to be knowledgeable and self-sufficient to handle any type of scenario. Sandra created protocols outlining how the EC Teams would support the other Lenox outpatient departments when patients and/or visitors suddenly require immediate care. Sandra identified that her EC team had a need for respiratory care support, which is readily available at hospital-based ECs. Sandra created a new role, Respiratory Therapist/EC Technician, to fit this need. This new role required a Respiratory Therapist to be eager to take on new EC tasks while being the expert with all things respiratory for the patients. This role has become an invaluable resource to the Lenox EC.

Recently, a pediatric patient required transfer to another facility, and the EMS crew was not comfortable transporting a pediatric patient on BiPAP. When EMS asked for a nurse to ride along for the transport the child with the EMS Crew, they felt comfortable with the RT and the EC needs for the child. The new role was a huge win for the patient and the EC Team. keeping the child safe during transport. Sandra's team has developed into a cohesive family, ready to take on the future needs of the Lenox area.