An effective nurse is caring, understanding, non-judgmental and has a strong ability to empathize with patients from all walks of life
Ms. T was admitted with Hidradenitis Suppuratia (Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, systemic inflammatory condition where an overactive immune system contributes to inflammation below the surface of the skin) flare-up. She had a history of MRDD (high functional), DM, bipolar, seizure, obesity, PTSD.
Karina Foots, RN was assigned to her the day after she was admitted. Karina was the preceptor for a new RN who had been in orientation for several weeks and was assigned to three of Karina's other patients. Karina could have chosen to give the new nurse this patient, however, she wanted to take Ms. T herself.
In report it was stated that the patient was awake most of the night, refused care, scared of needles and refused labs, screaming out, refused IVs, declined to eat any hospital food, etc. She had a very large area in the fold of her lower abdomen that had not been taken care of by the group home where Ms. T was living. The drainage from this area was draining down in her private area which also made her sit in this fluid and in turn, caused a wound on her buttock (which she came to the hospital with). Due to the neglect she endured, it caused her to have a foul odor in the wound and private areas. Karina was determined to make sure this patient got cleaned up, labs drawn, and was free from drainage. She knew she had her work cut out for her. This patient was a MRDD patient whom our unit had admitted on previous admissions. She is challenging to care for due to her behavior and lack of trust of staff.
Being sympathetic about the patient's hospital experience can go a long way towards improving patient care. Karina spent a long period of time (hours) building trust with this patient. By noon, Karina had built that trust. She had cleaned up the patient and her wounds several times, called the doctor to receive a consult for Wound Care and Dietician/Nutrition Service. She also got the physician to order a PICC line (the patient was going to leave on IV antibiotic therapy). She assured Ms. T that she would stay with her during the PICC placement. She reassured her that when they get PICC in, she would not have to be stuck again for labs or other IVs.
She took it upon herself to make a call to the Social Worker regarding the condition the patient came to the hospital and if it was possible to send her to another facility upon discharge.
By the time lunch came, Karina observed the patient was refusing all food Dietary sent up (both breakfast and lunch). Karina asked her what she wanted or would eat. Karina explained to the patient how important it was to eat to get better. It took a while, but the patient just wanted a pizza. So, since pizza isn't brought up by Dietary, Karina went down to the café and bought a pizza and brought it up to the unit. The patient must have been starving because she ate most of the whole pizza. She then took a nap for a couple of hours, probably exhausted from not sleeping throughout the night. Again, for dinner, the patient wanted something else that Dietary couldn't bring up - Karina went and bought dinner for her with her own money again for the second time in one day.
Nursing is a profession of providing care for the sick in which I believe Karina just didn't provide great nursing care to this special patient, but she provided the utmost attention, devotion, and above all kindness to Ms. T. I believe Karina Foots is a DAISY Nurse. A truly stellar nurse advocates for their patients and anticipates their needs…this is exactly what Karina did that day.