If you were in-house today you might have heard the multiple code grays called overhead today. It was a crazy day. One of the several was a young man on the autism spectrum who was admitted overnight. This patient is largely non-verbal, easily agitated, and hard to calm down. A code gray was called after this patient struck his sitter. I was speaking with Tzeitel Twigger about another patient when the code was called. I told her that it was my patient, and I would be back. I mentioned to her that this was a bad situation, a patient on the autism spectrum unable to go home.
Tzeitel offered to come with me to help. She quickly checked in and we went upstairs. She was amazing. She helped clear the room, limit sensory input and calm him down. She used techniques to calm him without meds or restraints. She got him to take his morning meds including his anti-psychotic. She gave me good ideas on things that would help keep him calm. We were able to get items from around the hospital to provide him with makeshift sensory therapy. Her input and willingness to help made a huge impact on this patient's care.Tzeitel is always invested in her patient's care and always interested in helping them. Today she went out of her way to help when she had no obligation. I thought she deserved recognition; she was truly amazing today. Thank you.