Shannon currently works in the Ornish Lifestyle Medicine Program here at Sentara Princess Anne Hospital. Shannon did traditional cardiac rehab for a number of years, but last year transitioned to Intensive Cardiac Rehab, i.e. Ornish Lifestyle Medicine (OLM). This is a very complex program and as the Nurse Case Manager for the program, she is required to track and evaluate all the other modalities involved: Stress Management, Group Support, Dietary training and Exercise Physiology. She is quick to jump in if someone needs help, or to fill in other modality specialists for days off.
This program requires an intensive dive into the chart and a very detailed intake before the potential patients can be admitted to the program. Shannon consistently digs things out of the chart that others miss and leaves no stone unturned. Patient safety is always at the forefront of everything she does and it shows. This patient population consists of cardiac patients, all with very serious diagnoses and all of them have multiple high-risk factors. Many are fall risks and many have extensive physical limitations. She works with each one to ensure they get the very best experience while always maintaining their safety as a priority. They come to the program twice a week; weekly she performs a thorough assessment of any changes in condition, medications, symptoms, etc. Even with this high-risk population, due to Shannon's diligence, we have never had an untoward event in the department.
More than once, patients have come to her with seemingly conflicting instructions from different physicians. Shannon takes it upon herself to run those instances down, communicate with each physician for a clear picture for the patient of what their instructions/medications should look like. There are numerous times that a patient will have new symptoms, call their physician for an appointment and receive that appointment for 6 or 8 weeks out. Shannon will intervene on the patient's behalf, contact the physician, discuss concerns and many times get that appointment moved up; again, for the safety and benefit of the patient. Patients report to me the level of trust they have in her ability; that they feel secure and informed with her at the helm. I can't cite just one instance because she does this for each and every patient.
We recently went through our one year recertification with Ornish. That involved senior personnel from California flying out to go through our charting/procedures with a fine tooth comb. I would like to share a quote with you from Melanie Elliott-Eller, Senior Accreditation Specialist with OLM/Sharecare, Inc.:
"Shannon so perfectly illustrates professional nursing practice in action: when exceptional clinical competence is equally matched by modesty and pure, heartfelt compassion. She embodies that which inspires the heart of every nurse". Melanie ended our recertification by calling this program a "Center of Excellence". Much of that is due to Shannon's diligence in charting and careful consideration of each patient entrusted to her care.
I have worked with Shannon as a coworker and as her manager. She walks out the Sentara commitments consistently every single day. She is a true DAISY Nurse.