Amy L Higgins
June 2026
Amy L
Higgins
,
BSN, RN, CEN, AMB-BC
University of Miami UHealth System
Miami
,
FL
United States
During the emergency workup, the patient was found to have a ruptured carotid pseudoaneurysm and was flown to UMT for emergent repair.
I would like to share a true Magnet Moment from our WPB office.
On Friday, a patient and his wife arrived for a dermatology appointment after being referred by a local dermatologist for a complex skin condition better suited for evaluation by a UM specialist. During check-in, the PAR Supervisor noticed that the patient appeared significantly dizzy after walking in. She immediately notified the clinical team.
Amy, Charge RN, assisted M, MA, and S, MA, with rooming the patient. Although the patient presented with multiple leg wounds, Amy quickly recognized that something more concerning might be occurring. His vital signs showed mild tachycardia (HR 108), with all other values within normal limits. His medical history included several chronic conditions, including CML, and he also reported persistent neck pain for which he had recently visited an urgent care center and been prescribed antibiotics.
After assessing the situation, Amy expressed her concern to the dermatologist and recommended that the patient be sent to the emergency department. Despite the patient's relatively mild presenting symptoms-slightly elevated heart rate and dizziness with exertion-Amy felt strongly that he was not well enough to return home. Although her concerns were initially underestimated, she advocated again for the patient. The dermatologist subsequently evaluated the patient's wounds and advised
him to seek further evaluation in the ER.
The patient and his wife chose to go to Jupiter Medical Center rather than the nearest hospital and signed out AMA. During the emergency workup, the patient was found to have a ruptured carotid pseudoaneurysm and was flown to UMT for emergent repair.
This experience highlights the strength of our team and the culture we have built. I am grateful to work in an environment where staff feel empowered to speak up, collaborate, and advocate for patients. Our PAR team communicates concerns without hesitation, and our clinical staff feels confident engaging with physicians to ensure that every patient receives the safest and most appropriate care.
I'm so proud of the team!
On Friday, a patient and his wife arrived for a dermatology appointment after being referred by a local dermatologist for a complex skin condition better suited for evaluation by a UM specialist. During check-in, the PAR Supervisor noticed that the patient appeared significantly dizzy after walking in. She immediately notified the clinical team.
Amy, Charge RN, assisted M, MA, and S, MA, with rooming the patient. Although the patient presented with multiple leg wounds, Amy quickly recognized that something more concerning might be occurring. His vital signs showed mild tachycardia (HR 108), with all other values within normal limits. His medical history included several chronic conditions, including CML, and he also reported persistent neck pain for which he had recently visited an urgent care center and been prescribed antibiotics.
After assessing the situation, Amy expressed her concern to the dermatologist and recommended that the patient be sent to the emergency department. Despite the patient's relatively mild presenting symptoms-slightly elevated heart rate and dizziness with exertion-Amy felt strongly that he was not well enough to return home. Although her concerns were initially underestimated, she advocated again for the patient. The dermatologist subsequently evaluated the patient's wounds and advised
him to seek further evaluation in the ER.
The patient and his wife chose to go to Jupiter Medical Center rather than the nearest hospital and signed out AMA. During the emergency workup, the patient was found to have a ruptured carotid pseudoaneurysm and was flown to UMT for emergent repair.
This experience highlights the strength of our team and the culture we have built. I am grateful to work in an environment where staff feel empowered to speak up, collaborate, and advocate for patients. Our PAR team communicates concerns without hesitation, and our clinical staff feels confident engaging with physicians to ensure that every patient receives the safest and most appropriate care.
I'm so proud of the team!