Ryan was recently assigned to an 85-year-old gentleman who had recently transferred to our unit following surgery and pacemaker placement. This patient was depressed and endorsing suicidal ideation following a recent medical diagnosis of cancer. Ryan picked up the patient at the start of the shift at 7 am, just 1 hour after the patient experienced a fall.
From the immediate start of his shift, Ryan remained vigilant about monitoring this patient. He communicated well to the MD and consulting neurology team. The initial plan per MD and consulting MD was to monitor the patient. At this time, Ryan took the initiative to designate a sitter and increased vitals assessment/neuro assessment.
Mid-afternoon Ryan expressed concerns for an acute change in mental status. He wasted no time paging the appropriate parties, and upon discussion decided to activate a Rapid Response. Ryan remained at the bedside during the entire Rapid Response-providing clear and consistent reports about 24-hour events as well as advocating for the patient.
The patient was transferred urgently to OR for concerns of a worsening hematoma. Following the rapid response, Ryan sought out appropriate individuals to discuss the plan for the patient and updated the family.
Ryan advocated for his patient every step of the way. Even after the patient left, Ryan reached out to the attending to discuss the event and schedule a debrief for the unit. Events like this happen often in our line of work and are handled well by many. But what makes this different is Ryan is a new nurse graduate. Personally, the skills he demonstrated were beyond what one might expect for a new grad. Blake 11 is truly lucky to have Ryan!