Deb serves as a role model for compassionate, patient-centered care. To Deb, patients come first, always. Deb's compassion for patients is evident in her everyday work. Prior to charting or taking a break, Deb will ensure that all her patients (even ones who aren't assigned to her) are bathed, fed, and out-of-bed. According to peers, Deb is frequently found exiting the nutrition closet with an arm-full of Ensure supplements for patients and cluttering the nurses' station with patient recliners that she has ordered for patients. Her attention to the "little things" like patient mobility, bathing, and oral care, and getting adequate nutrition makes a significant positive impact on patients.
Deb's extraordinary care of Mrs. H. is one of many examples of her genuine compassion for patients. Mrs. H. was a 58yr old female admitted with failure to thrive and left-sided hemiparesis status post a stroke. Mrs. H. was scheduled to have a PEG tube placement the afternoon Deb was assigned to care for her. Upon meeting the patient in the morning, Deb recognized that the anticipation of this procedure was causing Mrs. H. severe anxiety. Mrs. H was visibly fearful and asking that staff stay with her at the bedside. Deb immediately went to work to relieve Mrs. H's stress and provide comfort. After recognizing that Deb and Mrs. H shared a mutual passion for animals, especially dogs, Deb turned on Animal Planet to distract her from her anticipated procedure. Among uplifting conversations of dogs and animals, Deb was able to relieve Mrs. H. from her stress. With every free moment that Deb had that day she sat at Mrs. H's bedside with one hand charting on the computer and the other holding Mrs. H's hand. When it was time for Mrs. H. to be transported to the procedure, Mrs. H. was visibly upset. On the way to the procedure, Deb walked with Mrs. H. all the way to the patient elevators continuing to hold her hand. The therapeutic connection that Deb fostered with Mrs. H. provided her with the comfort and security she needed during a time of uncertainty, fear, and vulnerability.
After Mrs. H's PEG placement, Deb immediately met the patient at her bedside to assess her and see how she was doing, physically and emotionally. Knowing Mrs. H's love for animals, Deb again turned on Animal Planet and sat at the bedside with Mrs. H. while finishing her charting. While sitting with Mrs. H, Deb noticed that she developed an acute L-sided facial droop, a left gaze deviation, and loss of consciousness. Deb immediately called a stroke code and a STAT CT was performed. Neurology concluded that Mrs. H. suffered an acute seizure and began her on anticonvulsants. The significant time that Deb spent with this patient and her special connection with the patient allowed her to recognize acute changes in her condition and initiate immediate interventions.
When Deb makes care decisions, patients are always at the center of her decisions. Deb goes above and beyond to advocate for the best interests of her patients and challenges other staff to put patients at the center of their decisions. Staff, both senior and novice, value Deb's strong voice for the patient and often seek out Deb to support them in advocating for the needs of their patients.
Deb's care of Mr. A. demonstrates her ability to advocate for the best interest of the patient. Mr. A was a World War II veteran with a history of esophageal cancer and was scheduled to receive a PEG tube on a Thursday. After being NPO all day, the procedure was bumped to Friday. After being NPO on Friday, his procedure was bumped to Monday. Concerned that the patient would be going four days without adequate nutrition, Deb advocated that the providers place his PEG tube over the weekend. PEG tube placement procedures are not traditionally performed on weekends. Due to Deb's persistence and advocacy, GI agreed to have a surgeon come in to place the PEG tube on the weekend (which happened to be Veteran's Day weekend). Her advocacy was greatly appreciated by the patient and family as they saw it as a token of appreciation for war veterans and their health. Deb's humbling compassion and exceptional care inspires all of us every day and has undeniably touched the lives of patients and their families.