Laura is a nurse on 2E, a telemetry/ventilator unit with many chronic, long term patients with high recidivism rates most coming from sub-acute facilities or directly from the Critical Care Unit. These patients are physically compromised with limited mobility and ability to communicate due to being on ventilators. Often there are few visitors or family members available to be with them to offer some distraction from the routines of a hospital.
I have observed Laura going out of her way to understand what these patients are attempting to communicate. She is patient and kind, slowly listing things she believes they may want or need in an effort to connect with them and offer the specific assistance they require. Her focus is on pain and the first thing she does is make them physically comfortable in the bed, assessing any pressure areas that may be causing discomfort.
Following a physical assessment, Laura then reviews her hand-off report to get the most up to date details on the plan of care to evaluate what the patient may need. Laura's voice is reassuring, she lets the patient know she is going to help; she will be there until the issue is resolved. It may take some time until she can determine what the patient wants; she consistently demonstrates a level of confidence that she will be there to help. It is that confidence and warmth that connects Laura with her patients and makes them feel secure. No issue is too trivial for her to investigate for her patients.
When administrating medications, she informs the patients of what the medications are for along with potential side effects, it is a conversation that comes easy for her. The patients react with questions or concerns that are readily responded to. Laura gives the patients tips on how to remember their medications so that the next time they are administered they know both the indications and side effects, she makes it fun to learn. Her attentiveness to her patients is what makes her unique; she engages them and encourages their participation in the treatment plan.
Laura is clinically knowledgeable but what makes her stand out is she practices the art of Nursing! She does not stop at conventional skills that comfort patients, she goes above and beyond. She is an advocate calling the physicians when she makes an assessment that requires follow-up like diagnostic labs, radiology tests, or medication, she makes suggestions based upon the patient's current situation. She will seek a peer to be sure she is making the right assessment or when she needs another pair of eyes or hands.
Laura will involve other members of the multidisciplinary team when her patients require additional attention be it nutritional assessment, respiratory care, or physical therapy. Simple things like laxatives, probiotics, sleep aids, or antacids will be explored with the physician if she thinks it will make her patient comfortable. It is the simple things that will make all of the difference especially for the patient population her unit specializes in.
As a senior RN on the unit, Laura exemplifies the behaviors and professionalism that should be emulated by all nursing staff. Her compassion and mindfulness to both patients and families are exemplary.
Laura is a stabilizing force on the unit; she has the ability to calm anxious patients and their families by realizing what is at the core of their unrest. Often it is a fear of the unknown or the mere fact that they do not feel that they are heard. Laura will go the extra mile to meet these concerns head-on until they can be addressed or resolved. She is tenacious when it comes to her patients' needs.
Laura is an individual who has the essence of Nursing in her heart. Both the science and art of Nursing can be seen while observing Laura with her patients and her team. She stands out because of her willingness to stop what she is doing to assist a patient or a colleague. Watching her in action is an amazing experience because she represents the nurse that every patient and family member would wish for.