I would like to recognize and thank Shanti Burns, for her response to an event in our unit. Early in the morning, Shanti and the code team responded to a rapid response that quickly became a code blue. The entire time Shanti was present in the room, she exhibited professionalism, expertise, and fostered a sense of teamwork. She was able to multitask efficiently, prioritize, delegate, and unknowingly provided invaluable instruction to both myself and other nurses.
I have worked with Shanti prior to this event and her consistent, cool method of interpreting the chaos is remarkable. No matter the situation, she is able to lead nursing staff, both ICU nurses and floor nurses, through difficult situations. Ms. Burns is able to track nursing and medical decisions, often knowing what doctors need before the request is made. When supplies are needed, she calmly asks for them and is appreciative when she receives them. Her even temperament under very stressful conditions and proficiency under pressure is admirable.
Whether Ms. Burns is aware of it or not, her competence and communication skills during difficult events have left an indelible mark on the nursing staff of our unit. Those of us who have had the fortune and privilege of working with her will also admit to wanting to "be like Shanti" in times of urgency and chaos. Each time I work with Ms. Burns, I am able to glean and integrate indispensable information from the experience into my practice, and in turn, making me a better nurse. I sincerely want to thank Ms. Burns for all she does for our Veterans in crisis, and for nursing.