I’d like to share a story about an exceptional nurse. Jodi Bright is one of our night shift coordinators in CVICU. I have watched her grow from a new grad to being oriented into a leader that she is today. On this specific day, one of the TAVR patients who is chronically ill with CKD and CHF was undergoing a valve replacement procedure. Post-op, he was upset and slightly cantankerous and venting to Jodi while she was rounding. He wanted food, and now! And he didn’t want chicken or turkey lol, in jest it is a difficult diet for them to maintain. Jodi came to me as I was the provider covering the CVICU and told me she was going to buy him some food from the sandwich shop with HER own money! I said that is really nice of you! But she was also concerned about dietary limitations and asked what could he have that wasn’t turkey or chicken, we agreed on cheeseburger no salt and fries no salt. (One time should be fine).

Two things got my attention: 1) she went above and beyond after getting yelled at while the leader was rounding, and she was compassionate enough to spend her own money for him to have something he wanted to eat. 2) having the foresight to collaborate with me on an appropriate diet choice. This demonstrates critical thinking, and although diet may not be at the top of the list, an extra heavy salt serving for someone in stage 4 CKD and CHF might really set the patient back (think fluid overload bipap, intubation, etc.). Jodi is small in stature but she is a mighty nurse!!! I couldn’t be more proud to recognize Jodi for both her care and compassion but also for her critical thinking. She is a true asset to CVICU and our patients.