October 2020
Rebecca
Strimple
,
RN
Emergency Room
University of Texas Medical Branch - Galveston

 

 

 

Rebecca went above and beyond and spent more time at the bedside getting to know the patient and all of the contributing factors.
During her longstanding service in the ER, Rebecca continuously provides exceptionally high-level care for all patients. For this particular nomination, this nurse was providing care for a geriatric stroke patient. He came into the ER with altered mental status and possible unilateral paralysis. This patient went to receive TPA. This nurse went above and beyond and spent more time at the bedside getting to know the patient and all of the contributing factors. It turned out the patient lived alone and while he may have had a stroke, he also was potentially hit by a family member and was not being helped with his food/cleaning as well as the family member was telling people. This nurse also took into consideration COVID and communicated with appropriate family members by phone what was going on since they were out of town and knowing the family wouldn't be able to visit in the hospital she made sure they were all up to date on the plan of care and what would happen with their family member. This nurse made sure to file APS reports, work to inform all the team members, and after talking to the patient more and establishing rapport he had noticeably improved his AMS and was joking and obviously fully trusted this nurse. During his time receiving TPA she adapted her skills to make sure he was fully aware of what was happening and all the risks associated with TPA, she even alerted the doctor when he may have started showing signs of a bleeding adverse effect associated with the medication (thankfully he had none but this is a special assessment skill some don't know). She has incredible instinct and skills in establishing rapport with her patients and she fought for this one with every resource available to her. After the patient left and was admitted, she followed up with him, and from an outsider watching her, it was obvious she cared for him like she would her own family. This is just one example of the many reasons why she is a DAISY Nurse.