Heather has been employed at JMC since 2007 as a PACU RN who has always exemplified the values of Jupiter Medical Center, with her positive and caring attitude, her proficiency in PACU and Critical Care nursing, and in the way she demonstrates excellence and the capacity to go “above and beyond” in all encounters with patients and team members alike. A recent incident, however, properly documents what a difference this extraordinary nurse made to one particular patient.
A few weeks ago, Heather was working in the Roomettes area, since she is cross-trained to that department. Her patient was a gentleman in his 80’s who was coming in for a required minor procedure, and after she hooked him up to the monitors, she felt strongly that his increased blood pressure and EKG rhythm indicated an issue with his heart, which was confirmed by a 12-lead EKG. After carefully and thoroughly questioning the patient about his medical history, and consulting with anesthesia, it was determined that this was a new issue, as the patient did not even have a cardiologist. She strongly recommended that the patient follow up with a cardiologist, and repeated the same to the patient’s family.
Just recently, Heather saw the patient again preparing for surgery, and was told that he wanted to speak with her. He said, “After that last surgery, and on your recommendation, I made an appointment with my doctor. They did an ultrasound and found that I had 3 very large aneurysms, which they will be repairing today. You saved my life by being diligent and insisting that I see my doctor. If I hadn’t listened, the outcome wouldn’t have been the same. YOU saved my life…thank you.” Every nurse joins the profession with the intention of making a difference. In this instance, Heather made a difference that resulted in saving a life.