Anna is a recent graduate of the new Nurse Residency Program.  She has become more engaged since graduating by joining a committee, precepting new nurses, and attending a conference in September. She has shown her superior clinical knowledge and went above and beyond for one of her patients recently.  

Anna had a patient who had been awake, alert, and oriented throughout her hospital stay.  Suddenly, the patient was unable to make her needs known, her speech was unclear, and she soiled herself in the restroom.  

Anna came to me concerned that her patient was having a stroke.  We went into the room, assessed the patient, and called the code stroke.  While we waited for the team to arrive, Anna calmly and empathetically informed the family that there would be multiple staff members showing up to assist.  The patient and her son became very anxious, so Anna calmed and reassured them while answering their questions.  The team came to the bedside and determined she was low risk for stroke due to not having any mobility issues or weakness.  

Anna assisted the patient down to the CT scan, and she advocated for the patient to have an MRI.  Anna was persistent in attempting to schedule the patient’s MRI despite scheduling difficulties.  The MRI was completed and resulted two days later.  

Anna’s critical thinking and nursing judgement were correct.  This patient indeed had a stroke.  Without Anna’s quick thinking and immediate action, this patient may have had a different outcome.  We can now prevent further events with this patient and ensure she receives the proper treatment going forward.