I was the charge nurse when one of our patients went into severe respiratory distress. The patient was already on BiPaP and still unstable. Renee assisted with care on our unit. Until the patient could be transferred to the ICU, Renee assumed care of him, in total, about 3 hours. ?
In addition, Renee felt very strongly that the respiratory status was unstable due to his bowel, as he had been getting enemas and meds for constipation. ?
Thankfully, the patient had an x-ray, and a perforated bowel was discovered, proving that Renee was correct. The patient was intubated and IV antibiotics were started. ?
Thanks to Renee and her quick thinking, her advocating led to a quicker diagnosis and treatment. To the date of this nomination, the patient is still in the ICU but has been extubated and doing well. Renee helped to expedite his diagnosis and give him more time with his family. ?