Isabel has been instrumental in assisting the pharmacy and Nursing Administration in identifying issues with medications and protocols that directly affect the patients, whether it has to do with scanning medications to ensure the safety of medication being administered to the patient, the billing of scanned medications by pharmacy for the patient, or the protection of the Pyxis system from damage related to multi-use medications.  Bella was the driving force in addressing and resolving issues with other departments.  A few months back, we were not able to get individual unit dose medications for a controlled medication. After lengthy workarounds, Isabel reached out to the Nursing Administration and was able to work with them and the pharmacy to discern what the issue was at the Pyxis level on the program by providing very specific information and by stepping through the process in real-time with the Nursing Administration and the Pharmacist.  This was instrumental in correcting narcotic counts and avoided workarounds that could have led to medication errors reaching the patient.  A few weeks ago, Isabel was contacted by the Clinical Pharmacy Specialist about some inconsistencies related to Clozaril levels.  With Isabel’s help, she was able to work to improve the protocol with an updated version, which will be released in the near future.  This will ensure our patients have completed all required labs for this particular medication.  She recently identified an issue with a different multi-dose container of medication as a result of unit dose medication not being available and the Pyxis system did not allow for additional doses to be returned to the Pyxis.  Isabel was concerned about returning the medication to the Pyxis to ensure proper billing of the medication to each individual patient who might need a dose, while also expressing concern about cross-contamination if the medication was returned or damaged to the Pyxis should the open bottle be returned and leak in the Pyxis due to the nature of the bottle.  This prompted the pharmacist to delve a little deeper into the issue, and as a result of Isabel’s diligence and questions, an answer for the issue was provided by the pharmacy that would satisfy all concerns and was shared with all nurses across campus as this could impact all programs.  Isabel proves to be a vital member of our team here at North Texas State Hospital.  We are very lucky to have her as an employee, and our patients are lucky to have her here as their nurse and as a patient advocate.      

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Isabel exemplifies the qualities of a DAISY Nurse. She consistently goes above and beyond her required duties without being asked, ensuring the safety and well-being of both patients and staff. Isabel makes weekly lists of all patients scheduled for FTP's lab day, streamlining the process to ensure no important labs are missed. She has also taken it upon herself to manage medication assignments for all LVNs on the unit. The doctor frequently consults her for input on improving lab processes and ensuring all blood work is completed.  Her dedication extends to training as well. She has been requested to help train LVNs when MDP and BMTP were reopened and does so willingly. Isabel created the "LVN Brain," a training booklet that serves as a valuable reference for newly hired LVNs. This resource has been so effective that the LVN nurse educator, requested copies so that she could build and include its information during NNO.  Isabel is a passionate patient advocate, regularly communicating with nursing leaders, providers, and treatment team members about patient concerns or questions. She takes initiative in patient care, such as when she personally cleaned and brushed a patient's teeth that had feces before administering medication.  Isabel is always looking for ways to improve patient care. She is a strong, independent nurse who helps PNAs despite her own LVN duties. She willingly adjusts her schedule to cover nursing shortages and works any shift without complaint.  Her hard work and dedication are evident to all who work with her. RNs and PNAs respect her, and she is never afraid to speak up for the benefit of patients and staff.