The nomination came from a story that one of our ER Physicians shared about Sandy and her impact on a patient:

At the West ED, we had a sick baby who looked toxic and created some concern. A septic workup was ordered. The infant was hypoxic and was very hard to arouse. I worried about encephalitis or hypoxic/hypercapnic encephalopathy. My next step was a lumbar puncture and CT.

After a while, Sandy reported she was worried about potential drugs and requested a urine drug screen. To be vulnerable for a moment, I have to admit that drugs were not on my differential at the time but Sandy is one of those nurses who you listen to. She knows what she's doing and she can see around corners and save you a lot of trouble. She's intelligent and highly skilled from decades of experience.

She was right. The urine drug screen showed opiates. The somnolence had been going on for over 9 hours. I ordered naloxone and the baby woke up immediately and no longer needed oxygen but required further hospitalization.

Sandy's skill and communication saved the baby from further hypoxia and somnolence. She essentially made the diagnosis, saving this baby a lumbar puncture and the admitting team a lot of time to reach a diagnosis. Ultimately, she may have saved the baby’s life.