Sheri Sterling
April 2016
Sheri
Sterling
,
RN
House Supervisor
Desert Regional Medical Center
Palm Springs
,
CA
United States

 

 

 

A patient left against medical advice and this was the story from Sheri on what occurred on her way home from work:
It was crazy this morning. Turned onto Miraleste and saw this man walking down the street in a hospital gown, slippers and house pants. Blood was spilled down the side of his gown (assume he pulled out his IV). I stopped and asked if I could help him get back to the hospital or call someone to come pick him up. He was not returning to the hospital but gave me the number of his partner. The scene looked bad and cars driving by were clearly concerned. He refused to wait and started walking down the street and I followed him in my car until he hit Vista Chino. I jumped out again and urged him onto the sidewalk where he agreed to stop and wait. I called his partner back to let him know he was no longer where I initially said he would be. His partner finally arrived and then the police. I urged his partner to contact the primary care doctor ASAP. He was very appreciative. I spoke with the police and gave my card. He seemed suspicious. That was a strange way to end my shift. I felt really sorry for the patient. He felt the hospital was keeping him 'all drugged up' and was tearful and initially untrusting. I hope he is doing ok today.
When I informed her that we did a shout out for her at the business partner huddle she said, 'Thank you but that wasn't necessary. Anyone would have done the same.'
This is typical Sheri… Big heart… Thank you!