I wanted to take a moment and let you know that, although the entire nursing staff in surgical services is outstanding, one nurse stands out as being extraordinary. Megan Schroeder has gone above and beyond in her role and in the care she provides and clearly deserves recognition in my opinion.

I started seeing a patient in Pain Clinic that was diagnosed with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) of her foot. After reviewing her history of syndrome progression and failure of all previous therapy and treatments, I decided to try her on ketamine infusions. The treatment plan is rigorous as multiple, four hour infusions are necessary with escalating doses of ketamine. After talking it over, Megan was suggested as the nurse to take care of the patient during these infusions. I sat down with Megan and discussed the plan with her, and asked if she would be interested in taking this on. She enthusiastically accepted.

Over the next couple of weeks, I gave Megan resources on CRPS and ketamine infusions to read, as well as discussed the pathophysiology of CRPS progression and the treatment mechanism of the ketamine infusions. On multiple occasions, she had questions regarding ketamine and potential patient reactions, and unbeknownst to me, she developed a written plan and monitoring tool specifically for these infusions. Megan's interactions with the patient were unparalleled and she quickly developed a significant rapport and level of trust with the patient, to the point of the patient requesting that she alone be in the room with her until she fell asleep from the infusion.

Megan spent a lot of time with the patient and tuned into her frame of mind before, during, and after the infusions and catered her care to the patient's needs exactly. Megan's input into the patient's treatment plan was integral in its evolution and success over the course of the patient's five, four hours, escalating dose ketamine infusions. Ketamine infusions can be frightening and there are many that discontinue treatment because of the negative experiences during their infusions, however, I believe this patient's success in completing her initial course of treatments was a direct result of Megan's care.

The patient has had an excellent response to the ketamine infusions, stating that "it’s the first time in three years my foot is not in burning pain all the time and I can take a shower and even pull the [bed linens] over my foot without being in devastating pain." She expressed overwhelming gratitude that Megan helped her through it and I felt it important to share with you.