A patient entered our emergency department late in the night with slurred speech, difficulty communicating, and paralysis on the right side of his body. When EMS arrived with the patient, they were immediately greeted by Jennifer Gaughan, RN, who collaborated with EMS and felt this patient was experiencing an acute stroke. A Code Stroke was initiated, and the patient was immediately assessed by Elaine Smith, DO. Once the CT scan was completed, the patient and his wife were greeted by Ed Dolphin, RN.
Ed worked effortlessly and swiftly to ensure this patient was treated within the recommended time frame, as he understands "Time is Brain" and every minute would impact this patient's quality of life. Tele-neurologist, Brigitte Rolfe, MD, via the telestroke device, along with Dr. Smith and Ed, agreed upon and administered Alteplase, a drug that helps dissolve clots in the brain.
Within minutes after receiving the medication, the patient started regaining movement in his paralyzed arm and leg, was able to speak and was experiencing a reversal of his symptoms. During this time, care was transitioned to Megan Hall, RN, who diligently monitored this patient as he was still critical. The ED team demonstrated CMC's nursing mission and vision of providing superior patient care, evidence-based practice, and collaborative practice while delivering an exceptional patient experience, which resulted in our greatest accomplishment— a positive patient outcome.
The patient and his wife made a point to speak about their experience, expressing how grateful and blessed to have received such outstanding emergent care from our emergency department and the telestroke neurologist. They referred to the nurses and doctors who cared for him as "angels", giving him his life back. They further explained how one of their dreams is to visit historical churches around the world, and because of this team, they are going to live out that dream.