A patient was admitted to our unit critically ill and 33 weeks pregnant. The patient herself was experiencing respiratory distress. She arrived with her significant other miles from home. Both the patient and the significant other were scared and concerned for the patient and the unborn baby. The patient's care escalated quickly requiring critical medical interventions aiding the patient with breathing and medical stabilization. As the patient's status declined to a critical high, it was determined the patient required an emergency C-section.
During this whole event, Melinda was the nurse. She provided compassionate care with her detailed experience in L and D and critical care for the patient that gave her overwhelming comfort when it came to the C-section and delivery of her unborn baby. The patient commented to me later about the detailed up-to-date status of the unborn baby and her medical status that Melinda continuously gave her. She stated it gave her overwhelming comfort and decreased anxiety as she (the patient) had to be intubated as well.
Melinda also assessed the situation related to the patient and significant other's living situation and distance from home and arranged food vouchers for the patient, a place to rest for the significant other, and case management for further follow-up. This was also discussed after the patient had delivered her son and was extubated and the patient remained in SCU while her newborn was in NICU.
With Melinda's background in L and D and current practice in critical care, she undoubtedly provided exceptional care to the patient and her family. Of course, her dedication didn't stop there. Melinda continued to advocate for the patient and when the patient was stable, Melinda transferred her to the mother-baby unit where she was united with her son. Melinda aided in a positive outcome for this patient and her family that truly was beyond the medical aspect.