I was pulled from the ED to work in the ICU. The patient was going through alcohol withdrawal and what we would later find out, necrotizing pancreatitis. I got the patient settled and sedated in the ICU. I sat down to chart and was mid-way through when the patient sat up in acute resp distress, diaphoretic, confused, agitated/combative, with no safety awareness. I stood in front of the patient pleading with him to stay in the bed, that I didn't want him to fall. I pushed the staff assist button and waited. I did not realize this alarm did not sound off the unit and that no one knew I needed help.

Kerri walked past the room and I called out to her. She immediately recognized the direness of the situation and got the charge nurse for me. She then jumped in and helped get the patient situated back in bed. As the doctor arrived and we realized we were going to have to intubate him, Kerri was on the phone with the family giving them updates and talking to the patient's girlfriend, who spoke very little English. Kerri was such a huge help, stepping out of her role to aid in getting the patient into a safe position, and then immediately putting that hat back on and reaching out to everyone. Because of that, I was able to focus on stabilizing the patient post-intubation, work on getting the patient transferred for a higher level of care, and complete charting.

This patient's only identified family was a sister who lived in Miami. Kerri coordinated with her to ensure that she booked the proper flight to the proper airport to be able to see her brother in his critical condition.

Because of Kerri's interactions with the sister, she was able to book a flight that landed in Indy at midnight. I was so thankful for all the help I received that day, but the reason I am nominating Kerri is that she was the one who identified a need, stepped out of her role, and worked beyond her role to ensure a positive outcome for this patient.