Alex Vanegas
April 2020
Alejandro
Vanegas
,
BSN, CMSRN
West Kendall Baptist Hospital
Miami
,
FL
United States
Alex was tasked with caring for a patient who happens to be autistic. Alex was faced with the challenges of delay in blood transfusions, as a result of positive antibodies. The antibodies were also rare and could have led to several/unknown reactions if the blood was given.
Alex, being the patient-care advocate he is, on realizing that the patient had a sharp drop in the hemoglobin, which was placing him at risk for cardiac adversities, immediately contacted the attending directly. He also reached out to the gastroenterologist and the hematologist/Oncologist on the case. In fact, he called and spoke with anyone who would listen, and help him resolve the issues. This is all before presenting the case to me (his supervisor) for assistance and intervention.
It was also very admirable to note, that Alex also took the time to assure the patient's mother at the bedside that he was doing all he could to advocate for her son while keeping her updated on the plan of care. At every interval, as he would get an update from a doctor, he would seek to discuss it with the patient's mother.
Upon realization of the serious issues on hand, the time which they consumed addressing these issues and regard for the safety of his other patients, I intervened and assumed some of the responsibilities for this patient — with direct communication with the doctors, families, our manager, Director of Medical-Surgical team, Lab, Pathology as well as Dr. B. It took a multidisciplinary, collaborative effort to guide this case in the right direction.
Needless to say, Alex never wavered, as he remained close to my side as much as he could throughout the process. The patient was eventually moved to the ICU, received the treatment he needed after thorough evaluation, and is doing well. This is the outcome we were all hoping for and were thrilled to hear!
I am beyond grateful to have nurses, like Alex, who selflessly go above and beyond for his patients, and their families. Alex expected nothing in return, other than to have the best outcome and be the best advocate. I sincerely believe that Alex is a true DAISY Nurse. This speaks to the dedication to patient care, collaborative care, multi-disciplinary teamwork, and great outcomes.
Alex, being the patient-care advocate he is, on realizing that the patient had a sharp drop in the hemoglobin, which was placing him at risk for cardiac adversities, immediately contacted the attending directly. He also reached out to the gastroenterologist and the hematologist/Oncologist on the case. In fact, he called and spoke with anyone who would listen, and help him resolve the issues. This is all before presenting the case to me (his supervisor) for assistance and intervention.
It was also very admirable to note, that Alex also took the time to assure the patient's mother at the bedside that he was doing all he could to advocate for her son while keeping her updated on the plan of care. At every interval, as he would get an update from a doctor, he would seek to discuss it with the patient's mother.
Upon realization of the serious issues on hand, the time which they consumed addressing these issues and regard for the safety of his other patients, I intervened and assumed some of the responsibilities for this patient — with direct communication with the doctors, families, our manager, Director of Medical-Surgical team, Lab, Pathology as well as Dr. B. It took a multidisciplinary, collaborative effort to guide this case in the right direction.
Needless to say, Alex never wavered, as he remained close to my side as much as he could throughout the process. The patient was eventually moved to the ICU, received the treatment he needed after thorough evaluation, and is doing well. This is the outcome we were all hoping for and were thrilled to hear!
I am beyond grateful to have nurses, like Alex, who selflessly go above and beyond for his patients, and their families. Alex expected nothing in return, other than to have the best outcome and be the best advocate. I sincerely believe that Alex is a true DAISY Nurse. This speaks to the dedication to patient care, collaborative care, multi-disciplinary teamwork, and great outcomes.