Teri Weiser was taking care of an extremely critical patient, in addition to two other ICU patients. The unit was extremely short staffed due to call outs. Despite that Teri remained focused on the patients and felt that there was something missing that could be done for this one particular patient. Feeling that the patient needed the expertise of a critical care physician a call was made to the Medical Director of ICU, Dr. L. This was a difficult decision to come to for fear of being stopped or for fear of overstepping the physicians already on the case. The call was made quietly from the clean utility room. The issues were presented to Dr. L. Dr. L arrived almost immediately to assume care for the patient. The patient received the care he needed but unfortunately passed away the next day. Just a few hours before he did, I met with the patient's wife. She mentioned Teri specifically and expressed what an excellent nurse and caregiver she was and how grateful she was for the care her husband received from Teri.

Despite convention, the nurse listened to her instinct, reached out for help and used her voice to advocate for the patient and family.