I was working in the ED and began care for a trauma patient. It was immediately clear that the care for this patient exceeded the resources we had available. I picked up the phone and called another ED. Pam answered and this was our entire conversation:
Me: "I need help over here"
Pam: "I'm coming"
The drive time between campuses - if you hit every green light is 9 minutes. Pam was able to get to her car, drive to my campus, park and come into the patient's room in approximately 10 minutes. She hustled! She immediately stepped in and started helping with the patient. She then instructed the family on how to help us help our patient by telling them to "keep talking to the patient, keep the patient calm".
Next, Pam arranged transport for the patient to another campus. Upon arrival, she was able to provide a good handoff to the staff taking over there.
This example of teamwork, of support, of mutual respect for a peer, and her sheer ability to recognize the emergent need for help, makes Pam a true DAISY Nurse. I will forever remember that brief phone conversation. No need to explain, no need for details. A nurse recognizing the limits of her abilities and reaching out to another nurse for assistance - to provide the best possible outcome for this patient. Thank you, Pam!