Patient advocacy is among the most important responsibilities of nursing staff, and few exemplify this trait better than Leah Gossett, RN. As a Charge Nurse on 7 Reynolds Tower, Leah uses her considerable experience and extensive knowledge to provide meaningful patient experiences on nearly a daily basis. Leah is the example of how nursing can make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients.
Recently a patient was admitted for the loading dose of a medication to treat atrial fibrillation. On the day of discharge, the pharmacist notified the patient's nurse that a prescribed antibiotic could cause severe adverse effects if taken with the new dysrhythmia medication.
When told of the possible negative interactions the patient and her family were heartbroken that her discharge would be delayed by at least a day while susceptibility reports were retrieved from an outside hospital. Recognizing the anxiety caused to the patient by the delayed discharge, Leah immediately contacted the outside hospital and worked with its staff to retrieve and forward the susceptibility reports via fax to her unit. Upon receiving the reports, Leah researched potential interactions between antibiotics listed in the report and the patient's dysrhythmia medication. Once possible combinations were identified Leah worked with our pharmacist and the patient's advanced practice provider to get the patient's medications changed so that they were both safe and effective for the patient's diagnosis. Through her persistence and dedication to our Patient Promise, and her willingness to work with the multidisciplinary team, Leah was able to provide the patient exceptional care. The patient was able to be safely discharged later that evening. As they left, the patient and her family let everyone on the unit know how much Leah's care had meant to them.
Leah's conscientiousness is simply unparalleled. Leah takes the time to make meaningful connections with her patients and pushes past the expected to provide exemplary patient care. Working this Thanksgiving, Leah overheard a patient lament to his family member that he would miss their "Thanksgiving Breakfast", a family tradition. Leah reviewed the patient's chart and realized the patient was eligible for discharge. Leah quickly called the provider, explained the situation and had the discharge paperwork ready within 15 minutes. Wheeling the patient down herself so he could meet his ride and get home in time for breakfast. Leah left the patient with a lasting memory of what exceptional nursing can accomplish.
These are two of the many examples of how Leah's outstanding care for our patients makes her a true DAISY Nurse.