Nursing is a challenging profession, especially in the emergency department. Many unpredictable and unforeseen events happen daily that can cause even the most even-keeled person to stress. Nikki is a person that thrives in these situations. She rolls with the punches and finds solutions quickly rather than dwelling on the problem at hand.
Nikki recently oriented to the Charge role and is exceeding all expectations. She understands the flow and departmental needs, as well as looks out for the wellbeing of staff and patients. Just the other night, four trauma alerts and codes were called within a span of 20 minutes from each other and Nikki was the charge (which is usually the case because she tends to be a black cloud). She spoke with all the doctors and nurses within the area and quickly formulated a plan to gather up additional resources to care for the patients as they staggered into the department.
While checking on multiple nurses and ensuring they had resources, the one trauma alert entered who was an ejected person from an MVC. In his lap was his son about 5-6 years of age. Nikki immediately entered the room, picked up the child, looked him right in the eye and told him he was going to be a brave boy while his daddy got looked at. As a trauma clinical leader in the department, she also knew this boy could potentially be at risk for injuries secondary to being in the same collision. She sat him down and began assessing him in the same room as dad by just having a conversation with the boy as to not scare him. Most people who run to these scenarios are focused on one thing, the trauma patient because it is exciting; not Nikki. She focuses on situations as a whole and looks at the bigger picture which is why she is successful in this department. Just as she took care of that kid, she takes care of our department and I am very grateful she is a member of our team.