We work in a department where critical patients are brought directly to our lab by the individual who will serve as their nurse for their procedure. The patient featured in this nomination was mine. I was to be the primary RN. Gillian messaged me before I made my way to the floor that she saw the patient might be a complex transport and would meet me on the floor to assist.
The patient was scheduled for a tunneled dialysis catheter. We received a bedside report and the patient's Unit RN communicated the patient's intravenous access was peripheral only. This seemed odd to me. I am new to this department, therefore my knowledge of the procedures and long term interventional outcomes is not as mature as that of Gillian. As soon as she heard the patient only had peripheral access she spoke up and questioned if the option of a tri-alysis catheter had been considered to allow central line venous access as well as dialysis access. Gillian called the VIR physician and discussed this with him and it was determined the tri-alysis catheter would not be appropriate but a central venous catheter could be placed at the same time as the dialysis catheter to serve the same purpose. The patient's floor physician entered the discussion and conveyed his approval for this course of action and that he appreciated Gillian for bringing the option to his attention.
The patient was intubated with a poor prognosis. The addition of central venous access would not only allow the administration of medications that require this route of administration but also save the patient from frequent peripheral insertions and removals as well as sticks from blood draws. In short, it would greatly serve the patient to go to the lab once and have both catheters placed simultaneously and Gillian made that happen.
Gillian saw an opportunity to advocate for a patient for whom she was not actively treating. Gillian took steps to facilitate interventions to better serve his current and future needs. Gillian embodied not only love for her role as a nurse but also love for all patients in this facility. She served this patient with excellence and spoke up for him when he was not in a position to do so. Gillian is a true DAISY Nurse. She is Knowledgeable enough to see the greater picture, Kind enough to advocate for others, and Brave enough to speak up and take action to potentiate the best possible outcomes for the patients of this organization.
Gillian has been not only a colleague but a mentor to me during my brief time in HVIS. I am grateful for her patience and unwavering willingness to assist with my progression into this field of care.