Alexis Masimore was faced with an extremely difficult patient who was restless and agitated as a result of his anoxic encephalopathy and multiple sedative medications. The physician came up with a treatment plan that involved weaning off the sedation. This necessitated extremely close monitoring of this difficult patient. Alexis needed to stay at the bedside and literally hold him down for her entire shift. She agreed to the plan and took care of the patient with patience and grace. She never got flustered or pushed to have him placed back on sedation. Because of her care, he was transitioned off the ventilator and off the sedative drips and his behavior improved significantly.

If it were not for her care, I do not think this patient could have come off the ventilator and sedation. I fear that the family and treating team may have felt that treating him further would be futile and withdraw life supporting treatment.

She went well beyond what could be expected and had a significantly positive impact on the care of her patient.