Recently, my 91-year-old father was scheduled for a Hepatic Radio Frequency Ablation procedure.  We arrived at 7 am as directed for a 9 am procedure, but there was a scheduling/surgical posting mix-up, and the department was not expecting us.  This was a rescheduled surgical date since the first date was cancelled due to inclement weather in February.  The outpatient registration staff called upstairs to discuss the situation, generated the appropriate paperwork, and sent us up to the third-floor CVIR department anyway.

The wonderful woman at the front desk informed us that the case was mis-posted as a liver biopsy and now that it was clear it was an RFA case, she doubted that she was going to be able to assemble the extra resources of CT, anesthesia support, and the medical rep who is required to advise on the equipment during the procedure.  She was very apologetic and concerned about the gross inconvenience this might cause u,s and we appreciated that.

She disappeared in order to frantically see what she could pull together and came back quickly to tell us that she had procured anesthesia support and was working on the equipment and medical rep angle, and informed us that she was going to have nursing prep him for the case as though it might actually move forward, in case she could rally all of the required resources.

By 8:20 am, Angel came out to get us.  We felt fairly hopeless that things would move forward, but somehow his positive demeanor calmed us.  He gently and methodically admitted our dad, showed leadership and effective decision-making skills when the computer screen wouldn't cooperate with this unexpected patient. He said to a co-worker, "Let's just admit him, then the appropriate screens will populate because he is in the system."  

After a thorough checklist of admission questions and careful listening to our medical history, he remained calm and, more importantly, he calmed us, even as others, rather frantically, kept popping by to express surprise, doubt, and then relief about the whole situation coming together.  He started an IV on my Dad's notoriously poor veins in one stick and easily got the numerous pre-op labs.

When the lab orders were not readily available on his computer screen, he called down to question why they weren't visible, obtained them, and rushed the blood to the lab.  While we waited for the results, he further relaxed my dad, who is a retired physician, by engaging us in a friendly conversation about his nursing background in the Philippines, and also about the nursing pathway to become a CRNA, which he overheard us discussing because my son is also considering such a path.  

Angel remained calm, efficient, and professional throughout what could have been a chaotic pre-op experience. Because of this, my Dad was relaxed, confident, and smiling as Angel rolled him to CT at 10:22 am.  After the procedure, my Dad spoke very highly of Angel and requested that we nominate him to be a DAISY Honoree for his excellent nursing care.