Night shift. Sarah Holt was in report listening to safety huddle - she was assigned to B pod. A "newer nurse" - strong but new was assigned to "C pod". Assignments made a "newer" nurse ended up with patient in "34" - patient "stable" but critically stable with potential to go south fast. Sarah professionally and supportively suggested that she and "new nurse" switch pods. "New nurse" agreed - switch made. By 2000 (less than 1 hour into shift) fellow being called stat out of ED. Pupil changes, bleeding, hypotensive. Dad of patient at bedside. This patient was brand new - transferred from outside hospital, all new diagnosis. Overwhelming for the family, Sarah not only allowed dad to stay at bedside thru all of this, but supported his "right", his decision, his desire to stay there. She professionally, compassionately treated patient and supported family effortlessly! She encouraged dad to talk to patient, touch patient and be next to his daughter DESPITE having to "work around" him. Sarah worked in synch with all team members to keep dad in room despite procedures, blood products, etc.
It doesn't end there. When Sarah could see this was getting overwhelming for dad she guided him out, giving him the opportunity to leave without feeling guilty for leaving his daughter's bedside. Sarah directed another team member to stay with dad. She didn't make dad go to waiting room, she encouraged him to sit outside - close to it but not actually in the room. Dad was distraught but not as distraught if he was sitting alone in waiting room.
It soon became apparent that the patient was not going to make it. This young lady, daughter, friend and human being died with dignity and with family at her side. It is now the middle of the night. Dad has several hours to drive after just watching his daughter pass. Sarah called the Hospitality House and got him a room.
I was Charge Nurse this night. I have been a nurse for 27 years. This person, this mom, this friend, this nurse is the reason, the epitome of why I have been a nurse for 27 years.
She cared about the patient
She taught the "new nurse" by example
She treated the family as her patient
She supported patient and family
She guided team members how to work with families in crisis
She was a leader without the title that night. Most of all she was that family's angel. She didn't stop being a nurse when the heart stopped beating.
DAISY Award or not Sarah Holt is extraordinary many nights, many shifts, but this night reminded me why.