Allen was responsible for the care of a patient who became unresponsive, lethargic, and had a BP greater than 180/90 which required IV meds to control. She was alone without family and very ill. She was deteriorating, going into respiratory distress/failure, so Allen notified the proper channels that she needed to be in an ICU setting. Unfortunately, there was not an ICU bed available so the entire CDU Team took care of Allen's other patients so he could provide this patient with 1 on 1 bedside care. Realistically he was providing ICU care on an Observation Unit. He started a Cardene Drip, monitored vital signs continuously, and notified physicians, supervisors and charge nurses of any changes. He never left her side. Later in the evening, Allen handed the patient off to a MICU nurse and she looked at him and said, "Thank you for everything you have done to save my life." His response was simply, "My pleasure."
If you know Allen, you know why he affectionately has the nickname "grumpy" on the unit. But if you really know Allen, you know that he has a huge heart. God placed Allen in the right place at the right time. That day he was more than a nurse, he was the patient's life saver, advocate, and friend. The patient was discharged 4 days later. Allen was amazing but would not been able to provide this level of care without the entire CDU Team.