Stephanie Garrett
May 2023
Stephanie
Garrett
,
RN
Trauma Neuro Unit
Lancaster General Health, Penn Medicine
Lancaster
,
PA
United States

 

 

 

You prevented a life-threatening situation for your patient and advocated for him when he could not do so for himself.
Steph, You did a phenomenal job on Thursday night with your busy assignment in rooms one and two. You planned appropriately by bringing medications with you on your trip to MRI for a patient experiencing active absent seizures. When you arrived back on the unit, you did what a GREAT nurse would do and assess your PT, not their monitor. Although they appeared stable, you identified the PT as high risk for an obstructed airway due to lack of control of their tongue. You communicated with the providers leading to them emergently intubating the patient to prevent this from occurring in his newer obtunded state. You prevented a life-threatening situation for your patient and advocated for him when he could not do so for himself. You reached out to me and utilized other members to assist so you could remain with the patient and help the provider at the bedside with the intubation, A-line, and Central line insertion. On top of that, you additionally provided family support to the PT's wife when they arrived, answering her questions about all the changes in the room since she left after visiting hours just a few hours ago. Someone once told me, "Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast." You demonstrated this that night as you were in control of the entire situation calmly and directly. You prevented a fatal situation from occurring due to your ability and critical care thinking. Doing all of this while ensuring your other patient was safe and responding to every bed alarm that went off of his. If you were busy in one room, you ensured someone had eyes and ears on your other patient. You were a superstar and set up your peers the following morning for success. The York student with me, the providers, and other members of our team that night were very impressed with all you did! You should be proud because you demonstrated phenomenal nursing in every domain. You advocate for your patients and their families' needs, going to great lengths to ensure that they receive what they need. On behalf of your patients and their families, I thank you for being their voice when they may not have one or be heard to ensure they receive the best care possible. It is something that every nurse should strive to do and be. Thank you for being an incredible example of what it means to be a nurse.