We have a young female patient in the CCU, she has been a patient on 4 South for nearly a year. Diagnosed with polymositis and chronic respiratory failure, she remains on the ventilator with severe muscle weakness. Linda Wilkerson has worked closely with other services (PT, OT, and speech therapy ) to ensure that needed services are provided for this patient. When the patient was provided with the IPAD for communication, Linda encouraged her to use this device as much as possible. When she stated that her goal was go home for Thanksgiving, Linda worked closely with PT so that aggressive physical therapy efforts would be undertaken. Pictures of PT exercises were placed on the walls of her room and whenever she was on duty whether under her care or not, you could hear Linda working with her on getting some “reps” in.
Unfortunately, the patient did not make it home for her goal date, but she did gain enough muscle strength to sit up in a motorized chair. Once she regained some mobility, Linda opened up a new world of adventure for her. With permission from the patient’s doctors, Linda was allowed to take her off the unit in her motorized wheelchair. While on these outings, she visited our library and PT and OT in the basement. It may seem like a small thing but the joy on her face could be clearly seen.