In September, Jordan Sheets organized a stroke screening in Lenoir County. Jordan completed a thorough health screening and provided detailed stroke education and counseling to patients. On one day there were a lot of patients that had critical findings; severe hyperglycemia, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, etc.
There was one patient, a 34-year-old female with a blood pressure of 200/100, BMI > 45 and an FSBS of 400. In addition, her mother died of a stroke at the same age. To complicate the situation further, this individual had just immigrated to the United States 3 weeks prior. She was scared, concerned, nervous and anxious. There were 2 physicians at the screening that stated, "She can follow up as an outpatient since she is asymptomatic."
Jordan's experience and knowledge regarding stroke care and treatment in Eastern North Carolina prepared her to advocate for that patient. Jordan knew that this patient was at high-risk for a cardiovascular event and had limited means for appropriate care and follow up. After Jordan spent extensive time with the individual, she agreed to go to the hospital, but Jordan didn't stop there. She went to the hospital with the patient. Knowing she was scared and in an unfamiliar place, Jordan knew that was what the patient needed.
Jordan stayed with the patient through the triage process and until the patient was able to have family arrive at the hospital. Jordan prepared her for what to expect once she was admitted to the hospital and the patient was admitted that afternoon for the management of her new diagnoses.
Jordan exemplifies the values of Vidant Health every moment, every day and in every interaction she has. She lives out the mission and vision of VH as a Stroke Nurse Navigator, assisting patients and families through a complicated health care system, and always does it with grace, compassion and empathy.
I am so proud of her.