Mr. Curbow recognized a growing urgency in his patient. Chase’s patient was noted to be having nausea, dry heaves, and tachycardia. The doctor was notified, and new orders were received. 30 minutes later, the same patient continued with tachycardia and complained of feeling hot and clammy. The doctor was again notified. An hour later his patient was noted to have multiple large bloody stools and complained of left shoulder pain. Chase noted that the patient’s vital signs were abnormal (hypotensive and tachycardia) and his skin was pale. The provider was notified, and orders for labs were received.

Chase continued to worry for his patient, and after the third large bloody stool, he requested the doctor visit the patient at the bedside. Chase reiterated his concern for the veteran’s decline. Due to Chase’s advocacy, the doctor agreed to transfer the patient to the ICU. Later in the shift, he received an update from the PFC that the veteran’s lab results upon transfer to the ICU were: Lactate 6.1, WBC 25.18, and Hgb/Hct were 7.2 and 22.4. The patient was placed on vasopressors and an arterial line was inserted.

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Chase always goes above and beyond all the criteria for this award. He has taken such good care of me. He is an extraordinary nurse, and I was always pleased to see him come into my room. Chase is an amazing professional and an asset to the 4th floor and MVAMC.