Mr. D'Auria is an extraordinary ED RN. You will always hear him thank a Veteran for his service and his compassion is evident when witnessing his care for a fellow Veteran. Below is an example of the care he provides to the Veterans that come into this ED. It reveals his compassion, advocacy, and concern for the safe and appropriate care of the Veterans.
Mr. D'Auria was working his typical very busy evening shift in the ED when he received a patient with a complaint of chest pain. He proceeded with following the ED chest pain protocol and after reviewing the EKG he instantly recognized the criticalness of the patient. He immediately expressed his concerns to the ED provider and proceeded to draw the appropriate labs showing an elevated troponin level. Tony was diligent in his patient's care, only leaving the patient's side for brief periods of time to obtain medications needed. Tony performed a second EKG showing even more evidence that the patient's condition was becoming more critical. The ED provider was consulting the cardiologist who recommended admitting the patient to ICU and a heart catheterization to be performed the following morning. In the meantime, Tony's concern was becoming more evident that the patient was deteriorating to a more critical state. He was treating the patient's pain and titrating Nitroglycerin in an effort to reduce pain and the stress on the patient's heart. He was communicating with the patient, keeping him informed of everything he was doing to help relieve the pain. However, this patient proceeded to go into a life-threatening arrhythmia (vtach/torsades) resulting in cardiac arrest. Because of Tony consistent monitoring, care and quick response with exceptional knowledge of advanced life support, the Veteran was revived after 1 ½ minutes of CPR. The Veteran was immediately sent to the catheterization lab where it was found he had 100% blockage of his LAD (extremely life-threatening). The coronary vessel was successfully stented and the patient is stable, doing very well in the ICU. I feel that Tony saved this patient's life. Of course, he had the support as we always do, of the entire ED crew, but because of Tony's clinical expertise and accurate intuition, this patient is alive today. After transferring the patient, Tony took the time to communicate with and provide support to the patient's brother. He notified him of his brother's change of condition in a timely manner so the patient could have the support of his family.
I am so proud to work beside this caliber of nurse. Tony is a true DAISY Nurse.