Andrea Hillestad
October 2023
Andrea
Hillestad
,
RN
Neuro
Park Nicollet Methodist Hospital
St. Louis Park
,
MN
United States
If it had not been for Andi’s advocacy, this patient would not be on their way to recovery. This is an example of what nursing is at its best for our patients and their families and is only one example of the advocacy Andi provides for patients and their families on 7W every day.
We are really grateful for Andi who called for an evaluation and treatment of our son. This is when the doctor came, and he realized our son was very sick. He ordered all of the exams for him as he had not had any exams in the previous hospital. Without Andi’s help, our son would not have gotten better. She also displayed a lot of caring help to untangle his hair. She was very happy when she noticed he was getting better. She is an excellent nurse. She has a big heart. The best nurse we could find. She deserves the DAISY Award.
***
Firstly, Andrea is one of the strongest clinicians on 7W. She frequently is the point person among the staff or speaking with regulatory agencies such as JC when they arrive. She is the social director for the unit. Whether it’s celebrating someone’s work anniversary, coordinating our Tibetan New Year celebration, or throwing a baby shower for a teammate, Andrea is always one of the event's planners. This is so meaningful to the team.
More specifically, we recently had a young man who came in with a challenging clinical presentation and was misdiagnosed as having a conversion disorder. Through much advocacy, Andi was able to get our neurology team reconsulted, and a repeat of his MRI was done. This resulted in determining that the patient had swelling of his brain (Cerebritis), and he was started on a course of steroids. This has led to a steady but slow recovery for the patient. If it had not been for Andi’s advocacy, this patient would not be on their way to recovery. This is an example of what nursing is at its best for our patients and their families and is only one example of the advocacy Andi provides for patients and their families on 7W every day. The team is so lucky to have her serving as a staff RN, Charge RN, and caregiver for the team. I am incredibly grateful for the care she provides to our patients and, specifically, the awesome job she did in advocating for this patient. She is a true DAISY Nurse.
***
Firstly, Andrea is one of the strongest clinicians on 7W. She frequently is the point person among the staff or speaking with regulatory agencies such as JC when they arrive. She is the social director for the unit. Whether it’s celebrating someone’s work anniversary, coordinating our Tibetan New Year celebration, or throwing a baby shower for a teammate, Andrea is always one of the event's planners. This is so meaningful to the team.
More specifically, we recently had a young man who came in with a challenging clinical presentation and was misdiagnosed as having a conversion disorder. Through much advocacy, Andi was able to get our neurology team reconsulted, and a repeat of his MRI was done. This resulted in determining that the patient had swelling of his brain (Cerebritis), and he was started on a course of steroids. This has led to a steady but slow recovery for the patient. If it had not been for Andi’s advocacy, this patient would not be on their way to recovery. This is an example of what nursing is at its best for our patients and their families and is only one example of the advocacy Andi provides for patients and their families on 7W every day. The team is so lucky to have her serving as a staff RN, Charge RN, and caregiver for the team. I am incredibly grateful for the care she provides to our patients and, specifically, the awesome job she did in advocating for this patient. She is a true DAISY Nurse.