Victoria T Frederic, RN

Victoria saved a life today. Victoria was working a nightshift in a post-op surgical unit and was told on report by the off-going nurse to keep an eye on the surgical incision site because it was looking a bit suspicious. The patient was s/p thyroidectomy patient, so the surgical incision was along the midline neck. Victoria was diligent and thorough with her assessments and agreed that there was a concern. over the course of two hours, she escalated her concerns the attending surgeon, who was unimpressed with each call. Despite the recommendations, the incision continued to raise concern, presenting with increased swelling and oozing and the patient beginning to complain of trouble swallowing. Victoria was adamant and persistent with updating the physician, eventually leading to her decision to call a RRT. The swelling had progressed to the point of emergent hematoma evacuation and the patient was trached at the bedside due the airway being compromised. Victoria is an extraordinary nurse and the patient survived this complication because of her diligence.