Zoey Gayer

This student demonstrated extraordinary advocacy, professionalism, and patient-centered care in a situation requiring both clinical judgment and moral courage.

Zoey was caring for a post-operative patient who appeared markedly lethargic, frequently falling asleep mid-sentence, and unable to express his needs or discomfort effectively. Zoey immediately recognized that the patient's level of alertness raised safety concerns, especially regarding the administration of opioid pain medication. At the bedside, the patient's wife voiced similar concerns. She expressed clearly that she did not want her husband to receive further opioid medication due to his current level of sedation.

The primary care provider entered the room and, after a brief assessment and discussion with the wife, agreed. He stated he would discontinue the opioid and switch the patient to Tylenol, then exited the room to place the new order. Shortly after, the patient's primary nurse returned with medications and handed them to Zoey for administration.

Upon carefully verifying the medications, Zoey noticed that one of them was the opioid in question. She immediately voiced her concern—stating that both the wife and physician had agreed to discontinue it, that the patient had denied pain during Zoey's assessment, and that the patient was not sufficiently alert to receive it safely. Despite this, the primary nurse insisted Zoey administer the medication.

Demonstrating professionalism and patient advocacy, Zoey refused to give the medication, calmly explaining her concerns and reinforcing what had just been discussed with the physician and the patient's wife. The primary nurse persisted and even argued with the patient's wife, stating that the patient had previously reported pain and that the Tylenol order had not yet been entered into the system. Again, Zoey advocated—reminding the nurse that the physician had just left and was likely placing the order at that moment.

Later, Zoey reported the incident to her instructor, seeking guidance and ensuring that the patient's condition was reassessed. When they returned to the bedside, the patient was still somnolent, further validating Zoey's clinical judgment and advocacy.

In this challenging situation, Zoey exemplified the core values of nursing: advocacy, integrity, compassion, and safety. She demonstrated a deep commitment to patient-centered care, even in the face of pressure from more experienced staff. Her courage to speak up—and to do so respectfully and persistently—made a real difference in ensuring that the patient received safe and appropriate care. Zoey's actions are a shining example of the kind of nurse every patient deserves.